Article Transport Facility Cross-Path Connecting Structure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In article transport facilities with loop-shaped primary and secondary paths, transporting articles between secondary paths on opposite sides of the primary path requires vehicles to travel long distances, reducing efficiency and requiring additional conveyors, which complicates the system and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a second connecting path that crosses the primary path allows article transport vehicles to travel directly from one secondary path to another without using the primary path, eliminating the need for intermediate transfers and simplifying the system configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transporting articles between secondary paths on opposite sides of the primary path using the conventional method (traveling along the loop-shaped primary path), then the system configuration remains simple, but the transportation distance becomes long, reducing efficiency and capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transportation network by introducing a second connecting path that is independent of the primary path. This creates separate transportation corridors: the primary path for general circulation and the second connecting path for direct transfers between secondary paths on opposite sides, thereby reducing transportation distance and improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the transportation network by creating a second connecting path that crosses the primary path. This dimensional addition allows vehicles to bypass the loop-shaped primary path and take a more direct route between secondary paths, effectively reducing the transportation distance without compromising system simplicity.
2Productivity
If adding transporting conveyors to enable direct transfer between secondary paths on opposite sides, then transportation efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The second connecting path serves multiple functions: it enables direct transfer between secondary paths on opposite sides, provides an alternative route for article transport vehicles, and maintains system flexibility. This multi-functionality achieves improved transportation efficiency without requiring additional specialized conveying devices, thereby avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second connecting path is designed to be self-sufficient, allowing article transport vehicles to autonomously navigate between secondary paths without requiring intermediate transfers or additional conveying equipment. This self-service capability improves efficiency while maintaining system simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If article transport vehicles travel along the loop-shaped primary path to reach secondary paths on the other side, then the system configuration remains simple, but the transportation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second connecting path is pre-configured to provide a direct route between secondary paths on opposite sides. This preliminary action of creating a dedicated transfer path eliminates the need for vehicles to traverse the entire loop-shaped primary path, thereby reducing transportation time while keeping the system operation simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
The article transport facility includes a plurality of article transport vehicles which can travel on a travel path defined by rails installed in the ceiling. The travel path includes a loop-shaped primary path, and secondary paths each arranged to extend along and by at least one article transport location, a first connecting path that connects the primary path and the secondary path, and a second connecting path, provided independently from the first connecting path, with one end portion connected to the secondary path located on one side of the primary path, and the other end portion connected to the secondary path located on the other side of the primary path.