Storage system including shelf moving module

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing storage systems for semiconductor manufacturing require separate drive devices for position shifting of upper shelves, leading to increased manufacturing and power consumption costs.

Innovation Solution

A storage system with a shelf moving module that uses a transfer device with a drive module and a shelf moving module to contact guides connected to upper shelves, allowing for the shifting and returning of upper shelves without the need for separate drive devices, utilizing a counterweight system for efficient movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a separate drive device is installed for position shift of upper shelves, then the upper shelves can be positioned accurately, but manufacturing costs and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracy of upper shelvesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive function for upper shelf positioning with the transfer device that moves materials. Instead of installing a separate drive device on each upper shelf, the transfer device's drive module is used to move guides connected to upper shelves, thereby positioning them. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional drive devices while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The transfer device is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only transfers materials between storage locations but also positions upper shelves by moving their connected guides. This multi-functionality allows a single device to accomplish both material handling and shelf positioning, reducing the need for separate drive devices and lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If a separate drive device is installed for position shift of upper shelves, then the upper shelves can be positioned accurately, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition accuracy of upper shelvesVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive function for upper shelf positioning with the transfer device that moves materials. Instead of installing a separate drive device on each upper shelf, the transfer device's drive module is used to move guides connected to upper shelves, thereby positioning them. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional drive devices while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a counterweight system where a counterweight is connected to the guide bar through a belt. When upper shelves need to be positioned, the counterweight balances part of the weight of the upper shelves and guides, reducing the force required by the drive module. This significantly lowers power consumption during shelf positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of operation

If multiple drive devices are used for upper shelf positioning, then positioning control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the drive function for upper shelf positioning with the transfer device that moves materials. Instead of installing a separate drive device on each upper shelf, the transfer device's drive module is used to move guides connected to upper shelves, thereby positioning them. This merging of functions eliminates the need for additional drive devices while maintaining positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces guides as intermediary elements that connect upper shelves to the transfer device. The guides are moved by the transfer device's drive module, and they in turn move the upper shelves along the guide bar. This intermediary mechanism provides controlled positioning without requiring direct drive devices on each shelf, simplifying the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution minimizes manufacturing and operating costs by eliminating the need for additional drive devices and optimizing the use of resources, while maintaining efficient material handling and storage efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a counterweight connected to the belt

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11881422B2Storage system including shelf moving module

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

A storage system includes a storage device and a transfer device. The storage device includes a guide bar, a plurality of upper shelves connected to the guide bar, the plurality of upper shelves storing a material to be transferred, a plurality of lower shelves disposed under the plurality of upper shelves, the plurality of lower shelves storing the material, a plurality of guides connected to the plurality of upper shelves, and a shelf returning device connected to a selected upper shelf from among the plurality of upper shelves. The transfer device includes a body, a drive module attached to the body, the drive module moving the transfer device to be adjacent to the storage device, a handling module attached to the body, the handling module handling the material, and a shelf moving module attached to the body or the handling module, the shelf moving module contacting a selected guide from among the plurality of guides.