Storage Device Processing System Automation Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The physical speed limitations of robotic components in disc drive testing systems hinder the realization of reduced processing times, limiting the overall throughput of data storage device testing systems despite advances in testing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A storage device processing system that includes automated transporters, conveyors, and a controller to efficiently transfer data storage devices between loading/unloading stations and test slots, optimizing movement and coordination to increase throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If robotic components are used to transfer storage devices between test sites, then automated handling is achieved, but the physical speed limitations of the robots prevent realization of reduced processing times
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transfer function into two independent parts: a high-speed conveyor system for transporting storage devices between racks, and robotic components for precise loading/unloading at test slots. This segmentation allows the conveyor to operate at high speed while robots perform only localized operations, resolving the contradiction between automation and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the robotic components and test slots. Instead of robots directly transporting devices across the entire system, the conveyor serves as a high-speed intermediary that bridges racks, enabling rapid device delivery while robots handle only the final precision placement and removal operations.
2Manufacturing precision
If robots transfer storage devices between individual test sites, then precise placement is achieved, but the travel distance and speed constraints limit overall throughput
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer system is segmented into a high-speed conveyor portion for long-distance transport and a precision robotic portion for final placement. The conveyor handles the bulk transport requirement, while robots handle only the precision placement at test slots, allowing both high throughput and precise placement to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-robot model to a hybrid conveyor-robot model, adding a new dimension of high-speed continuous transport. This dimensional change in the transfer mechanism enables simultaneous high throughput via conveyor and precise placement via robots, resolving the throughput-precision contradiction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual process-operation sites are used with robotic manipulation, then flexible testing is achieved, but mechanical limitations of robotic components obstruct continued manufacturing cost reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the testing architecture into multiple independent racks, each with its own high-speed conveyor and robotic components. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of test slots across multiple racks while the conveyors maintain high-speed continuous supply, enabling both testing flexibility and high throughput to coexist.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system provides a universal high-speed transport infrastructure that serves multiple racks and test slots simultaneously. This universal conveyor network enables flexible testing configurations across different racks while maintaining consistent high throughput, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device processing system that includes at least one automated transporter, at least one rack accessible by the at least one automated transporter, and multiple test slots housed by the at least one rack. Each test slot is configured to receive a storage device for testing. The storage device processing system includes a conveyor arranged in a loop around and being accessible by the at least one automated transporter. The conveyor receives and transports the storage device thereon. The at least one automated transporter is configured to transfer the storage device between the conveyor and one of the test slots of the at least one rack.