Smart Mobile Teach Pendant for Semiconductor Robot Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional teach pendants for semiconductor automation robots are costly, inflexible, require specific firmware upgrades, and have cumbersome navigation, lacking internet access and customization, making them undesirable for modern automation equipment needs.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing fungible smart mobile devices, such as smartphones or tablets, with adapter pendants to provide a web-based interface for teach pendant functionality, enabling easy navigation, customizable menus, firmware upgrades, and internet access, along with on-board sensing capabilities for advanced diagnostics and connectivity to external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional teach pendants are used for semiconductor automation robots, then basic teaching functionality is provided, but the cost is high and functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling a single teach pendant device to perform multiple functions through firmware updates and configurable interfaces. The teach pendant can adapt to different robot models and automation equipment versions, replacing the need for multiple specialized devices. This multi-functionality approach allows basic teaching operations, advanced diagnostics, and customized interfaces within one device, resolving the contradiction between limited functionality and high cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through upgradable firmware that allows the teach pendant's functionality to change over time. The device can be dynamically configured with different interfaces and capabilities based on the specific automation equipment being used. This dynamic adaptability enables the same hardware platform to serve multiple purposes across different applications, reducing overall system cost while maintaining versatility.
2Ease of operation
If conventional teach pendants with multiple navigation steps are used, then comprehensive control is achieved, but operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the teach pendant with customized interfaces and frequently used functions accessible from the main menu. Common teaching operations and diagnostics are prepared in advance with direct access points, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple hierarchical menus during setup. This pre-organization of functionality reduces operational steps and accelerates productivity while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
3Reliability
If self-contained teach pendants hardwired to robots are used, then safety compliance is achieved, but flexibility and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by designing a teach pendant with configurable safety features that can be adapted to different compliance requirements and application needs. The device maintains hardwired safety connections for reliability but allows software-based customization of safety protocols, interface layouts, and operational modes. This dynamic configuration capability enables the same device to meet various safety standards while providing customization flexibility for different robot models and automation scenarios.
4Reliability
If conventional teach pendants with specific firmware are used, then robot-specific functionality is provided, but upgrades and revisions are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by designing the teach pendant with a modular firmware architecture that anticipates future upgrade needs. The device includes pre-configured update mechanisms and standardized interfaces that allow seamless firmware revisions without compromising robot-specific functionality. This forward-thinking design enables manufacturers to improve and update the teach pendant software while maintaining compatibility with existing robot systems, resolving the contradiction between specialized functionality and upgradeability.
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor process transport apparatus including a drive section with at least one motor, an articulated arm coupled to the drive section for driving articulation motion, a machine controller coupled to the drive section to control the at least one motor moving the articulated arm from one location to a different location, and an adapter pendant having a machine controller interface coupling the adapter pendant for input/output with the machine controller, the adapter pendant having another interface, configured for connecting a fungible smart mobile device having predetermined resident user operable device functionality characteristics, wherein the other interface has a connectivity configuration so mating of the fungible smart mobile device with the other interface automatically enables configuration of at least one of the resident user operable device functionality characteristics to define an input/output to the machine controller effecting input commands and output signals for motion control of the articulated arm.