Track-Powered Transfer Vehicle Control Under Rail Power Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned transfer systems for semiconductor manufacturing struggle to efficiently allocate tasks among multiple transfer vehicles powered by tracks, leading to suboptimal operation and potential overloading.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system comprising a track with a power supplier, multiple transfer vehicles equipped with batteries that charge via the track power, and a controller that allocates tasks based on the available power. The controller manages vehicle operations to prevent overloading by adjusting charging speeds and moving vehicles between tracks as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transfer vehicles are allocated to a single track for efficient task distribution, then task allocation efficiency is improved, but power supply capacity becomes insufficient leading to overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply function by introducing multiple power suppliers (first power supplier and second power supplier) that can independently supply power to different tracks. This allows the power supply capacity to be divided and allocated dynamically, enabling multiple transfer vehicles to operate simultaneously without overloading a single power supplier.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-track configuration to a multi-track configuration, adding spatial dimensionality to the system. By allocating transfer vehicles across multiple tracks (first track and second track), the system increases the overall power supply capacity available for task execution while maintaining efficient task distribution.
2Use of energy by moving object
If transfer vehicles operate at maximum charging capacity, then power utilization is maximized, but system reliability decreases due to potential overloading
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the charging capacity of transfer vehicles based on real-time power supply availability. When multiple power suppliers are available, vehicles can charge at higher rates; when power supply is limited, the controller reduces charging capacity to prevent overloading. This dynamic adjustment maintains both high power utilization and system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously monitors the power supply capacity from multiple power suppliers and adjusts the charging rates of transfer vehicles accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that power utilization is maximized when capacity is available while preventing overloading conditions that would compromise system reliability.
3Device complexity
If a single power supplier serves all tracks, then device complexity is reduced, but task allocation efficiency decreases due to power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
Each power supplier is designed with multi-functionality, capable of supplying power to multiple different tracks (e.g., first power supplier can supply first track and second track, second power supplier can supply first track and second track). This universal power supply capability allows the system to maintain relatively simple device architecture while achieving high task allocation efficiency through flexible power distribution.
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
The system ensures efficient task allocation and prevents overloading by dynamically managing power usage and vehicle operations, thereby optimizing the performance of the transfer system in semiconductor manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transfer vehicles configured to move along the rail, have a battery installed inside, and charge the battery by the power from the first track
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a transfer system that efficiently allocates tasks to a plurality of transfer vehicles that operate by the power through a track. The transfer system comprises: a first track installed on a rail; a first power supplier configured to supply power to the first track; a plurality of transfer vehicles configured to move along the rail, have a battery installed inside, and charge the battery by the power from the first track; and a controller configured to allocate tasks of the plurality of transfer vehicles based on a first allowable power in the first track.