Overhead Storage System Buffering Loads in Clean Room Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead storage and transportation systems in clean rooms face limitations in buffer installation due to space constraints in passageways, restricting the number of buffers and obstructing passage usage, while also having limited storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes ceiling space above processing devices to place buffers, with a U-shaped traveling route for shuttle carriages that allows for delivery and reception of goods among load ports, OHT ports, and buffers, enabling multiple rows of buffers and shared use of overhead traveling vehicles and shuttle carriages with the same structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple loads are buffered in overhead space using overhead storage systems, then productivity is improved by enabling parallel processing and reducing waiting times, but device complexity increases due to multiple transport vehicles, shuttle carriages, ports, and buffer zones
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead storage system is divided into multiple independent buffer zones (first buffer zone, second buffer zone, third buffer zone) that can operate semi-independently. Each buffer zone can store and release loads separately, allowing the system to handle multiple loads in parallel without requiring complete system coordination, thus improving productivity while managing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Shuttle carriages act as intermediary devices between the processing device, overhead transport vehicles, and buffer zones. These shuttles temporarily hold loads and transfer them between different system components, decoupling the operations of overhead vehicles and processing equipment. This intermediary function enables parallel operations and reduces waiting times without requiring direct coordination between all system components
2Loss of time
If overhead storage systems with multiple buffer zones are implemented, then loss of time is reduced by enabling parallel processing and continuous operation, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex coordination requirements between multiple transport vehicles and buffer zones
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead transport vehicles and shuttle carriages operate with a degree of autonomy, making independent decisions about when to pick up, transport, and deposit loads based on buffer zone availability and processing device needs. This self-service capability reduces the coordination burden on external control systems and enables continuous parallel operations without requiring constant external intervention, thus reducing time loss while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
In the present invention, multiple loads can be buffered by making use of the overhead space above a processing device (2). An overhead storage system (6) is equipped with: overhead transport vehicles (22) and transport routes (8 to 10) therefor; shuttle carriages (24) that carry loads in and out of the processing device (2), and transport routes (12, 14) therefor; OHT ports (30, 31) that allow both the overhead transport vehicles (22) and the shuttle carriages (24) to carry loads in and out; and buffers (32) that are provided in the overhead space above the processing device (2) and allow the shuttle carriages (24) to place loads thereon. The transport routes (12, 14) for the shuttle carriages (24) are arranged in such a manner that the shuttle carriages (24) can pass loads between load ports (4) of the processing device (2), the buffers (32), and the OHT ports (30, 31).