Transfer Device Movement Regulation Unit for Ceiling Vehicles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing transfer apparatuses for ceiling traveling vehicles are prone to inadvertent movement of the moving unit when the belt is cut or gear is disengaged, leading to potential interference with adjacent structures.

Innovation Solution

A movement regulation unit that switches between states to restrict or allow movement of the moving unit in specific directions, using a rotor with stoppers and sensors to control the position and prevent unintended movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a robot moves a conveyance article from a first conveyance section to a second conveyance section, then the article is transferred between sections, but the robot may collide with the conveyance article or a conveyance vehicle during transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision avoidanceVSAvoidtransfer system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by detecting the presence of conveyance articles and vehicles before the robot executes the transfer motion. The detection unit identifies objects in advance, and the control unit plans the transfer path accordingly, preventing collisions before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the transfer area with a detection unit that provides real-time information about conveyance articles and vehicles. The control unit uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the robot's transfer actions, ensuring safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If the robot transfers conveyance articles frequently, then productivity increases, but the risk of collision with conveyance vehicles increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransfer efficiencyVSAvoidcollision risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before each transfer operation, the system performs preliminary detection to identify the positions of conveyance articles and vehicles. This advance detection enables the control unit to plan transfer actions that avoid collisions while maintaining efficient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit provides continuous feedback about the transfer area, allowing the control unit to make real-time decisions that balance productivity with safety. The system adjusts transfer operations based on detected conditions, preventing collisions even during frequent transfers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the robot uses a gripper to hold the conveyance article, then the article can be securely grasped, but the gripper may collide with a conveyance vehicle during transfer

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrasping reliabilityVSAvoidtransfer control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the transfer area before the robot moves the gripper with the grasped article. This advance detection allows the control unit to plan a transfer path that avoids conveyance vehicles while maintaining secure grasping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit provides real-time feedback about conveyance vehicles in the transfer area, enabling the control unit to adjust the gripper's transfer motion dynamically. This feedback mechanism prevents collisions while maintaining reliable grasping throughout the transfer process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3093258B1Transfer device and control method of transfer device
Publication Date: 2020.10.21 MURATA MASCH LTD
  • EP3093258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3093258B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3093258B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To provide a transfer apparatus capable of reliably preventing a moving unit from inadvertently rushing out. [Solving Means] A transfer apparatus that includes a moving unit 42 capable of moving with respect to a base 41 and transferring an article with the moving unit 42 protruding from the base 41. The transfer apparatus includes a movement regulation unit 43 capable of switching between a first state in which the moving unit 42 is restricted in a reference position and a second state in which the moving unit 42 is allowed to move from the reference position to one of a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction and in which movement of the moving unit 42 in the other direction is restricted.