Overhead Transport Elevator Locking for Sway and Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead transport vehicles experience sway of articles during elevation and descent, making it difficult to position them accurately, and transmit vibrations to the articles during travel.
Innovation Solution
An overhead transport vehicle equipped with a body unit and elevator, featuring suspension members with vibration isolators and a lock mechanism controlled by a controller to absorb vibrations during travel and lock the position during elevation, ensuring easy article positioning and reduced vibration transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suspended rail systems are used for ceiling transport, then the system structure is simple, but the adaptability to different ceiling heights and locations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable suspension mechanism with adjustable-length rods that can dynamically adapt to different ceiling heights and locations. The suspension assembly includes telescopic or articulated arms that can extend and retract, allowing the transport vehicle to operate at variable heights from the ceiling while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system is divided into multiple segmented components including adjustable rods, connection joints, and modular clamping mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted and configured for different installation requirements, enhancing overall system adaptability without requiring complete system redesign.
2Productivity
If motorized ceiling transport vehicles are implemented to improve material handling efficiency, then productivity increases, but the weight of the moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy traditional mechanical motor systems with a lighter, more efficient drive mechanism. The vehicle incorporates a compact motor assembly with direct-drive or belt-driven transmission that minimizes unnecessary mechanical components, reducing overall vehicle weight while maintaining adequate propulsion force for material transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle design optimizes the power-to-weight ratio by selecting a motor with appropriate power output matched to the actual load requirements. The system uses variable speed control and optimized gear ratios to deliver maximum efficiency at operating speeds, reducing the need for oversized heavy-duty motors.
3Quantity of substance
If the transport vehicle is designed to carry heavy construction materials, then the useful load capacity increases, but the structural strength requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle structure utilizes composite materials such as steel-reinforced polymers or aluminum alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratios. The cargo bed and structural frames employ tubular or lattice designs that maximize load-bearing capacity while minimizing material usage and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo carrying system incorporates three-dimensional load distribution through vertical support elements and diagonal bracing that transfer forces efficiently to the vehicle frame. The cargo bed design allows for stacked or multi-level material arrangement, increasing effective load capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces vibration transmission to articles during travel while allowing for easy positioning, enhancing the accuracy and stability of article transfer.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration isolator (50A, 40A) disposed between the first suspension attaching portion (50, 40) and the base (10A)... vibration generated during travel is absorbed by the vibration isolator
Data Source
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AI summary
An overhead transport vehicle (1) includes an elevator (10) including a base (10A) on which a holding device (11) is provided, a plurality of suspension attaching portions (40,50) to which each of the plurality of belts (9) are attached and supporting the base (10A) so as to be vertically movable from below in a vertical direction via a vibration isolator (40A,50A), and a lock mechanism (60) that fixes a relative positional relation between each of the plurality of suspension attaching portions (40,50) and the base. The overhead transport vehicle further includes a controller (67) that controls so that the lock mechanism (60) is locked to fix a relative position relation at least partially during elevating operation of the elevator (10) and also controls so that the lock mechanism (60) is unlocked by releasing the lock at least partially during traveling operation of a body unit (40).