Inter-Travel-Paths Transport Device for Article Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
In article transport facilities with ceiling-mounted travel paths and ground-based processing devices, transporting articles between adjacent travel path portions is inefficient due to long distances and interference from other transport vehicles, and installing an inter-travel-paths transport device is challenging due to limited space above processing devices.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of first and second vertical movement slide transport devices that can be installed above processing devices, allowing articles to be transferred between travel path portions without requiring additional space for vertical movement, enabling the installation of an inter-travel-paths transport device that connects transfer locations between these paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If articles are transported between first and second travel path portions using existing travel paths, then the transport route is established, but the transport distance becomes long and transport time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inter-travel-paths transport device as an intermediary mechanism that directly connects the first and second travel path portions. This mediator allows articles to be transferred directly between the two paths without requiring transport vehicles to traverse the entire looped track, thereby significantly reducing transport distance and time while maintaining system productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transport system into distinct functional components: the existing looped tracks for general circulation, and a dedicated inter-travel-paths transport device for direct transfers between specific paths. This segmentation allows optimized transport routes for different purposes, reducing overall transport time for articles needing to move between adjacent path portions
2Productivity
If an inter-travel-paths transport device is installed to shorten transport distance, then transport efficiency improves, but installation space is insufficient due to crowded ground-level processing devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the space constraint by transitioning from ground-level installation to ceiling-mounted installation. The inter-travel-paths transport device is positioned in the vertical dimension above the processing devices, utilizing the unused ceiling space. This dimensional change allows the transport device to be installed without expanding the horizontal footprint or interfering with ground-level operations
Solution Approach 2:
The inter-travel-paths transport device is nested within the existing facility structure by mounting it to the ceiling. The device is positioned within the vertical space already defined by the facility's height constraints, nesting the transport function within the existing structural envelope without requiring additional external space
3Productivity
If two or more intra-process looped tracks are arranged next to each other, then transport capacity increases, but the distance between first and second travel path portions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inter-travel-paths transport device acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between adjacent intra-process looped tracks. By providing direct transfer points between closely spaced tracks, it enables efficient article movement without requiring vehicles to travel through intermediate paths, thus maintaining short transport distances while supporting high transport capacity through multiple parallel tracks
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 configuration reduces the time and distance required for article transport between processing devices on different travel path portions, enhancing efficiency while allowing the inter-travel-paths transport device to be installed without interfering with processing devices, thus optimizing space usage.
Implementation Method 1
first vertical movement slide transport device that is fixedly or movably located in an area of the first travel path portion, the first vertical movement slide transport device having a holding portion for holding an article such that the holding portion can be moved vertically
Data Source
AI summary
An inter-travel-paths transport device transports articles between a first article transfer location and a second article transfer location. It extends in a space upwardly of the article processing devices and connects the first and second article transfer locations. A first transport device transfers an article to or from an article transferring point by vertically moving its holding portion and of transferring an article to or from the first article transfer location by slidingly moving the holding portion at a position which overlaps with the first travel path portion. A second movement slide transport device vertically transfers an article to or from an article transferring point in the same manner with respect to the second travel path portion.