Guided Vehicle Positioning via Optical Mark Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automated guided vehicle systems in semiconductor manufacturing face inefficiencies due to wheel slip during acceleration and deceleration, leading to inaccurate positioning and prolonged operation times, especially when the layout changes or new facilities are added, requiring reapplication of markers and extensive testing.
Innovation Solution
A moving body system with a detected member comprising multiple mark members along the path, including detected and non-detected portions, and sensing means to accurately determine position using encoders and control mechanisms that reset measurements upon detecting markers, allowing for precise stopping anywhere on the path without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wheel slip is prevented by reducing acceleration force, then positioning accuracy is improved, but operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position measurement based on wheel rotation (encoder) with optical detection using mark members and detectors. This substitution eliminates the dependency on wheel slip-free operation, allowing high-speed acceleration while maintaining positioning accuracy through direct optical detection of position marks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mark members as intermediary elements laid on the moving path to mediate between the vehicle and the position measurement system. These marks serve as reference points that enable accurate position determination without requiring direct mechanical contact or slip-free wheel rotation, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If mark members are densely distributed to improve position detection accuracy, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous position measurement task into discrete segments by placing mark members at specific intervals along the moving path. Each mark member represents a known position reference, and the combination of these segmented references provides sufficient accuracy for operation control without requiring continuous or overly dense marking, thus balancing precision and complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive markers are applied to handle layout changes, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal mark member system that can serve multiple functions: position reference, speed reference, and operational limit reference. This multi-functional design allows the same mark members to be used across different layout configurations and operational requirements, reducing the need for extensive reapplication when layouts change and improving ease of manufacture.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables accurate and efficient movement of the moving body to any desired position, reducing operation time and eliminating the need for extensive reconfiguration and testing, thereby improving operational efficiency and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
the moving body comprises detecting means for detecting the mark members of the detected member
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a moving body system which can determine a moved position of a moving body such as a guided vehicle or a stacker crane wherever it is on a moving path, which can stop the moving body anywhere, and which can quickly move the moving body to a stopped position. The present invention provides a moving body system including a guided vehicle 1 moving along running rails 2, 2 constituting a moving path and a detected member 20 laid along the running rails 2, 2. The detected member 20 includes a large number of mark members 21, 21, . . . in a direction in which the guided vehicle 1 moves. The guided vehicle 1 includes a first detecting sensor 11 and a second detecting sensor 12 which detect the mark members 21, 21, . . . of the detected member 20.