Ceiling Load Distribution in Suspended Storage Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor manufacturing facilities, the close proximity of overhead transport vehicle systems to storage racks can lead to excessive load on the ceiling, necessitating costly reinforcement or changes in suspension positions, increasing installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A storage system design where the overhead stocker and transport vehicle systems are suspended from the ceiling at predetermined distances, dispersing the load and avoiding concentration on any part of the ceiling, with the rack positioned above a processing apparatus and the transport vehicle system below, allowing for compact arrangement and reduced installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the rack and second overhead track are suspended close to each other to save space, then space utilization is improved, but the load on the ceiling exceeds the withstanding load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies vertical layering to separate the rack and second overhead track into different spatial zones. The rack is positioned in the upper region suspended from the ceiling, while the second overhead track is positioned in the lower region above the processing apparatus. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement allows both systems to coexist without concentrating load on the same ceiling area, thereby maintaining space utilization while preventing excessive ceiling load.
2Productivity
If the rack is positioned directly above the processing apparatus to improve access, then article transfer efficiency is improved, but the load concentration on the ceiling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overhead space into distinct functional zones: the upper zone houses the rack for storage, while the lower zone houses the second overhead track for article transfer to the processing apparatus. This segmentation allows the rack to be positioned above the processing apparatus area without the second overhead track sharing the same suspension points, thereby distributing ceiling load while maintaining efficient article transfer capability.
3Area of stationary object
If overhead transport vehicle systems and storage racks are arranged in close proximity, then facility space usage is improved, but ceiling reinforcement becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes vertical spatial separation to arrange the rack and second overhead track at different heights within the facility. The rack operates in the upper vertical space while the second overhead track operates in the lower vertical space above the processing apparatus. This approach maximizes facility space usage without requiring ceiling reinforcement, as the load is distributed to different ceiling areas rather than concentrated in one location.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system prevents a large load from being applied to a part of the ceiling. The storage system in which a rack is provided by being suspended from a first position of a ceiling by a first suspending member attached to a grid ceiling, a second overhead track is provided by being suspended from a second position of the grid ceiling by a second suspending member attached to the grid ceiling, and the first position and the second position are set to be apart by at least a predetermined distance.