Storage apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage apparatuses for reticles in semiconductor manufacturing face challenges in supplying electric power to devices on rotating shelves without causing power supply cable twisting, which hinders the effective operation of sensors and cameras for quality management.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a housing, a fixed part, a rotating part, and a rotating shaft driving part, featuring a power-transmission unit that transmits electric power in a non-contact state using a conductor and a coil configuration, allowing wireless power supply to devices on the rotating shelf, including sensors and cameras.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If electric power is supplied to sensors through cables in a rotating storage apparatus, then the sensors can be powered, but the power supply cables twist due to rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power supply system with an electromagnetic induction system. A power transmission unit with a conductor generates a magnetic field that induces current in a power receiving unit with a coil, eliminating the need for physical cables and thus preventing cable twisting during rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the power source and the sensors. The magnetic field serves as a mediator to transfer energy wirelessly from the power transmission unit to the power receiving unit, enabling power supply without direct physical connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wireless power transmission is implemented using electromagnetic induction, then cable twisting is prevented, but power transmission efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes power transmission efficiency by adjusting key parameters of the electromagnetic induction system, including the distance and relative position between the conductor and coil, the current frequency and amplitude in the conductor, and the geometric dimensions of the coil windings. These parameter optimizations minimize energy loss while maintaining wireless power transmission.
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, maintaining the rotation of the shelf while preventing power supply cable twisting, thus enhancing the quality management of reticles and improving maintenance workability.
Implementation Method 1
When a magnetic field generated by flowing a current through the conductor of the power-transmission unit causes, an induced current is generated in the coil of the power-receiving unit
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus that stores objects includes a housing; a fixed part disposed in the housing and fixed in a position against the housing; a rotating part connected to the fixed part through a rotating shaft extending in the vertical direction and rotates relative to the fixed part as a center of the rotating shaft; and a rotating shaft driving part that rotates the rotating shaft; wherein the fixed part includes a power-transmission unit that transmits electric power in noncontact state; and the rotating part includes a rotating shelf on which objects are disposed; a power drive device disposed to rotate integrally with the rotating shelf and driven by electric power; and a power-receiving unit that supplies the electric power transmitted from the power-transmission unit to the power drive device.