Load Port Stage Restriction for Lid Sealing Without Door Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing reaction force of retainers in storage containers, particularly in front opening shipping boxes, necessitates higher docking and door closing forces, leading to a risk of door deformation during the attachment of lids to container main bodies, which is not effectively managed by existing load ports.
Innovation Solution
A load port configuration with a movement restricting part that abuts against the stage to restrict its movement away from the base, reducing the required docking force and preventing excessive force application, thereby avoiding door deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door closing force is increased to overcome the increasing reaction force of retainer systems, then the lid can be properly attached to the container main body, but the door may deform due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into two independent force application mechanisms: a door closing mechanism that applies closing force through the door, and a stage docking mechanism that applies docking force through the stage. This segmentation allows each mechanism to operate within its safe force limits while collectively achieving reliable lid attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage acts as an intermediary between the container main body and the door closing mechanism. By providing a docking force through the stage, the system reduces the burden on the door, preventing door deformation while ensuring proper lid attachment through combined forces.
2Reliability
If the door closing force is increased to ensure proper lid attachment, then sealing integrity is improved, but the complexity of the driving mechanism increases due to need for strict adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The force application is segmented into door closing force and stage docking force, which can be independently controlled and adjusted. This eliminates the need for strict adjustment of a single door closing mechanism, as each component can be optimized separately within broader tolerance ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The stage serves multiple functions: it supports the container main body, provides docking force during lid attachment, and positions the container for transport. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized high-precision adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If higher door closing forces are applied to overcome retainer reaction force, then lid attachment is ensured, but the risk of door deformation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stage docking force acts as a counterbalancing force that supports part of the load during lid attachment. By providing this counterforce through the stage, the door closing force can be reduced to a level that does not cause door deformation, while still achieving reliable lid attachment through the combined forces.
4Strength
If the docking force is reduced to prevent door deformation, then door integrity is maintained, but the lid may not be properly attached to the container main body
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing force and stage docking force are merged to work together in achieving lid attachment. The door closing mechanism and stage docking mechanism operate simultaneously, with their combined forces ensuring proper lid attachment while each individual force remains within safe limits to prevent deformation.
Data Source
AI summary
A load port connected to a transport part includes: a base constituting a portion of a wall of the transport part; a stage on which a storage container is mounted; a stage driving mechanism configured to move the stage in a direction toward or away from the base; a door configured to be capable of opening/closing an opening of the base at a position facing a lid of the storage container mounted on the stage and to be capable of holding the lid disposed to face the opening in a state of closing the opening; a door driving mechanism configured to move the door between an opening position and a closing position; and a movement restricting part configured to restrict a movement of the stage in the direction away from the base by abutting against the stage.