Modular Stocker Crane Assembly With Expandable Plates

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stocker systems face challenges with prolonged installation times and safety risks during crane transport and installation.

Innovation Solution

A crane system comprising a modular design with expandable plates and multiple modules, allowing for efficient assembly and alignment of components, reducing installation time and enhancing safety by minimizing manual handling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional crane structure is used for transport and installation, then structural strength is maintained, but installation time increases and safety risks arise due to manual handling

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The crane is divided into multiple modular segments (first module, second module, third module) that can be independently transported and then assembled together. Each module contains specific functional components that can be pre-fabricated and delivered separately, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows smaller functional units to be nested within larger module structures during transport, and then expanded upon assembly. The modules can be compacted for efficient transportation and storage, then deployed in sequence to form the complete crane structure, reducing both transport complexity and installation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Productivity

If a modular crane structure is used, then installation time is reduced and safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crane is divided into multiple modular segments (first module, second module, third module) that can be independently transported and then assembled together. Each module contains specific functional components that can be pre-fabricated and delivered separately, reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular modules are designed with universal connection interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to be assembled in different configurations. The same basic module design can serve multiple functions depending on its position and orientation in the final assembly, reducing the total number of unique components needed while maintaining assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12421029B2Crane and stocker system including the same

Publication Date: 2025.09.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A stocker system includes a main frame, a plurality of shelves disposed within the main frame, and a crane adjacent to the main frame. The crane includes a lower module that includes a plurality of lower profiles. An upper module is disposed on the lower module. The upper module includes a plurality of upper profiles and at least one upper expandable plate. The plurality of upper profiles is disposed on the plurality of lower profiles. The at least one upper expandable plate is disposed between the plurality of upper profiles.