Container Purge Nozzle Positioning Without Repeated Teaching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage devices fail to efficiently manage the storage and positioning of containers, particularly in the context of overhead transport vehicles, requiring time-consuming and labor-intensive teaching processes to connect purge devices to containers.

Innovation Solution

A purge device with a base and positioning pins that support containers, featuring a nozzle unit with a main body portion and gas introduction portion, allowing for secure and efficient connection to container inlets without the need for repeated teaching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a supply nozzle is connected to the gas inlet of the container through teaching in the conveyance device, then the purge gas can be supplied to the container, but the time and effort required for teaching increases when the nozzle unit is replaced or when purging function is added to an existing storage rack

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepurge gas supply efficiencyVSAvoidteaching time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle unit is pre-assembled with the positioning pin attached to the base before installation on the storage rack. This preliminary assembly ensures that the positional relationship between the nozzle and positioning pin is predetermined, eliminating the need for teaching when the nozzle unit is replaced or when purging function is added to existing racks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning pin serves dual functions: it positions the container on the storage rack and simultaneously positions the nozzle relative to the container's gas inlet. This universal positioning mechanism eliminates the need for separate teaching procedures for different scenarios (nozzle replacement, retrofitting).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the nozzle unit is replaced or purging function is added to existing storage rack, then the system can be upgraded or maintained, but the teaching process must be repeated increasing time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem upgrade capabilityVSAvoidteaching time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle unit is pre-assembled with the positioning pin attached to the base before installation on the storage rack. This preliminary assembly ensures that the positional relationship between the nozzle and positioning pin is predetermined, eliminating the need for teaching when the nozzle unit is replaced or when purging function is added to existing racks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning pin automatically establishes the correct position of the nozzle relative to the container's gas inlet through its fixed attachment to the base. The system self-configures upon installation without requiring external teaching or programming, enabling easy upgrades and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4290561B1Purge device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP4290561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4290561B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4290561B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The purge device includes a base to which a positioning pin configured to support a container to be purged is attached, and a nozzle configured to be connected to a gas inlet of the container supported by the positioning pin. The purge device includes a nozzle unit having a main body portion attached to the base via the positioning pin, and a gas introduction portion coupled to the main body portion and provided with the nozzle.