Mobile Stocker Navigation for Fast Fab Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Semiconductor fabrication facilities face challenges with the complex and time-consuming installation and relocation of stockers, which leads to downtime and reduced productivity due to the need for reconfiguration of interacting systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile stocker system that can be easily installed and relocated, programmed to learn the facility layout, and autonomously navigate to new locations using a navigation system, enabling quick assignment of location identifiers and interface with transport systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed stocker system is installed in a semiconductor fabrication facility, then it provides stable storage and transport carrier management, but it requires complex and time-consuming relocation procedures that cause downtime and reduce productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the stocker from a fixed installation to a mobile platform equipped with wheels or other mobility mechanisms. This allows the stocker to be easily relocated across the facility floor without complex disassembly or reconfiguration, directly reducing downtime while maintaining its storage and carrier management functions through automated navigation and positioning systems
2Productivity
If a mobile stocker is implemented to enable easy relocation, then productivity increases through reduced downtime, but the system complexity increases due to navigation and autonomous movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the mobile stocker with multi-functional capabilities: it combines storage functions, autonomous navigation, communication with facility systems, and adaptability to different locations. This consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated platform, managing complexity through standardized interfaces and protocols that enable the stocker to operate autonomously while interfacing with existing facility infrastructure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the stocker is relocated frequently to support changes in demand and production capacity, then adaptability improves, but the time and resources required for reconfiguration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-programming the mobile stocker with navigation capabilities and location identification systems before deployment. The stocker can autonomously determine its position, communicate with material control systems in advance, and automatically update its location identifiers, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration and reducing the time required to adapt to new production requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile stocker described herein is configured to be easily installed and relocated to various locations in a semiconductor fabrication facility. The mobile stocker is capable of being programmed with, and/or autonomously learning, the layout of a semiconductor fabrication facility, and automatically relocating to a new location based on the layout using a navigation system. Accordingly, the mobile stocker is capable of being flexibly relocated in the semiconductor fabrication facility to dynamically support changes in demand and production capacity. Moreover, the capability to quickly assign a location identifier to the mobile stocker and to automatically interface with transport systems in the semiconductor fabrication facility reduces downtime of the mobile stocker, which increases productivity in the semiconductor fabrication facility.