Parallel Article Transport Mounts for Tower Lifter Congestion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In semiconductor factories, there is a waiting time when articles are transferred between transport vehicles and tower lifters, leading to congestion in the tower lifter area due to the need to load articles sequentially, which affects efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with multiple transport mounting portions on a frame, allowing simultaneous operation of different classes of articles, supported from below, and a tower lifter with a robot arm and interface member for efficient transfer and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If articles are transferred sequentially from transport vehicle to tower lifter, then loading operation is simple, but waiting time increases and congestion occurs in tower lifter area
Solution Approach 1:
The loading operation is segmented into multiple parallel loading ports (first loading port and second loading port) on the tower lifter. Each loading port can independently receive articles from different transport vehicles simultaneously, eliminating the sequential waiting time while maintaining operational simplicity through modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple loading ports enable continuous loading operations without idle waiting time. While one loading port is receiving articles, another can simultaneously perform loading operations, ensuring that the tower lifter continuously processes articles from multiple transport vehicles without interruption
2Ease of operation
If multiple articles are concentrated in tower lifter area, then articles can be transferred between layers, but congestion occurs and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tower lifter structure extends in the vertical direction with multiple loading ports positioned at different heights and locations. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions allows articles to be loaded at different levels simultaneously, reducing horizontal congestion while maintaining vertical transfer capability
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple loading ports are merged into a single integrated tower lifter structure, allowing simultaneous article reception from multiple transport vehicles. This consolidation enables parallel operations within a unified system, improving efficiency without creating congestion through distributed separate structures
3Device complexity
If single transport mounting portion is used, then device structure is simple, but articles must wait for sequential loading
Solution Approach 1:
The transport mounting structure is segmented into multiple independent mounting portions (first transport mounting portion and second transport mounting portion), each capable of independently supporting and loading articles. This segmentation enables parallel loading operations, increasing article loading speed while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Each transport mounting portion is designed with universal functionality to support different classes of articles (first-class and second-class articles). The mounting portions can handle various article types through standardized support mechanisms, enabling multi-functional operation without increasing structural complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for transporting articles that can effectively treat numerous articles. The apparatus for transporting articles comprises: a frame; a first transport mounting portion connected to the frame and configured to support a first-class article from below; a second transport mounting portion connected to the frame, disposed over the first transport mounting portion and configured to support the first-class article from below; a third transport mounting portion connected to the frame, disposed over the second transport mounting portion and configured to support a second-class article different from the first-class article from below. The first transport mounting portion operates independently of the second and third transport mounting portions, and the second transport mounting portion and the third transport mounting portion operate simultaneously.