Transfer Device Substrate Handling for Overhead Conveying Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing substrate transfer devices in electronic component manufacturing lack flexibility in adapting to changing processing sequences, requiring time-consuming transport of substrates to remote facilities for re-stacking, which increases storage and throughput times.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with a handling system that removes substrates from transport boxes at the input/output interface, allowing for open handling and temporary storage within the device, enabling quick and flexible reordering and orientation for subsequent processing, and integrating intelligence for efficient movement between overhead transport and process systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If substrates are transported in transport boxes between overhead transport system and process system, then substrate transport is automated, but flexibility in adapting to changing processing sequences is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the substrate handling process into two distinct phases: transport phase (substrates in transport boxes moved by overhead system) and processing phase (substrates removed and handled individually by robotic system). This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently - automated transport maintains efficiency while robotic handling provides flexibility for reordering and restacking according to changing processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device acts as an intermediary between the overhead transport system and process systems. It receives transport boxes, removes substrates, and provides them to process systems individually. This intermediary function decouples the rigid transport sequence from the flexible processing sequence, enabling adaptability without sacrificing automated transport benefits.
2Adaptability or versatility
If substrates are re-ordered at remote facilities, then processing sequence flexibility is achieved, but storage and throughput times increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic handling system performs preliminary actions by pre-ordering and pre-positioning substrates in the transfer device before they are needed by process systems. Substrates can be taken out of transport boxes and arranged in the desired sequence in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming re-ordering at remote facilities and reducing both storage time and throughput time.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer device performs self-service by automatically removing substrates from transport boxes and reordering them according to processing requirements without requiring external intervention or remote facility operations. This self-service capability reduces dependency on external systems and minimizes substrate residence time in storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage locations with separate openers are used, then substrate access flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic handling system serves as a universal interface that can access substrates from various transport box configurations and deliver them to any required process system. Instead of having dedicated openers for each storage location, a single robotic system with adaptive capabilities performs all substrate removal, ordering, and delivery functions, reducing structural complexity while maintaining access flexibility.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
Disclosed is a transfer device (5) for substrates used for producing electronic components or displays. Said transfer device (5) is used for delivering substrates to a process station (4) and comprises a first feeding/discharge interface (7) to an overhead conveying system (1) for substrate transport boxes (2) as well as a second feeding/discharge interface (26) to the process station (4). The first interface (7) is located above the second interface (26) relative to a vertical direction. In order to provide such a transfer device (5) with greater flexibility in terms of the order in which the conveyed substrates are delivered to process stations (4) in an interlinked production plant for conveying substrates in transport boxes (2), said transfer device (5) comprises means (24, 25, 27) which allow the substrates to be conveyed from one interface (7) to the other (26) free from transport boxes (2) with the help of a handling mechanism (12) that is arranged within the transfer device (5).