Storage device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage apparatuses for reticles in semiconductor manufacturing face challenges in supplying electric power to devices like sensors and cameras on rotating shelves without causing power cable twists due to rotation.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus design featuring a power-transmission unit that transmits electric power in a non-contact state using a conductor and magnetic field to a power-receiving unit, allowing wireless power supply to devices on a rotating shelf, with a compact and efficient configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric power is supplied through a cable to devices on a rotating shelf, then power can be delivered to the devices, but the cable twists occur due to rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable connection with a wireless power transmission system using electromagnetic fields. The power transmission unit generates electromagnetic waves that are received by the power reception unit on the rotating shelf, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and thus preventing cable twisting while maintaining continuous power supply to rotating devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the stationary power source and the rotating devices. The power transmission unit converts electrical energy to electromagnetic waves, which then carry the energy across the air gap to the power reception unit, serving as a non-contact energy transfer medium that resolves the contradiction between power delivery and rotation compatibility
2Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is implemented, then cable twists are prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power transmission system into two independent functional modules: a power transmission unit mounted on the stationary housing and a power reception unit mounted on the rotating shelf. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, reducing complexity while enabling rotation freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission unit is designed to work with any rotating shelf configuration, and the power reception unit can be integrated into various device types on the shelf. This universal design approach allows the wireless power system to serve multiple functions and applications without requiring custom solutions for each specific case, thereby reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables stable and efficient wireless power supply to devices on rotating shelves, preventing power cable twists and improving maintenance workability while maintaining the rotation of the shelf.
Implementation Method 1
When a magnetic field is generated by a current flowing through the conductor of the power-transmission unit, an induced current is generated in the coil of the power-receiving unit.
Data Source
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AI summary
A storage apparatus includes a housing, a base stand (11), a reticle storage shelf (31) and a motor (81). The base stand (11) is disposed in the housing and is fixed its position against the housing. A reticle storage rack (31), which is connected to the base stand (11) through a rotating shaft (15) extending in the vertical direction, rotates relative to the fixed part, with the rotating shaft (15) being the rotation center. A motor (81) rotates the rotating shaft (15). The base stand (11) includes a power-transmission unit (14) that transmits electric power in a non-contact state. The reticle storage rack (31) includes a rotating shelf (32), a detection device (33) and a power-receiving unit (34). A reticle is disposed on the rotating shelf (32). A detection device (33) is disposed so as to rotate integrally with the rotating shelf (32) and is driven by electric power. The power-receiving unit (34) supplies the electric power transmitted from the power-transmission unit (14) to the detection device (33).