Article Transport Facility Power Control for Continuous Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Article transport facilities with cleaning functions face limitations in continuous operation due to dependence on power storage devices, which restrict the duration of cleaning operations and require frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
An article transport facility with a feeding portion that supplies power to both the traveling and cleaning units, and a power storage device that can be charged and discharged, allowing for continuous cleaning operations by prioritizing power distribution based on the driving state and position of the traveling portion along the transport path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the driving power to the cleaning unit is supplied from a power storage device, then the cleaning unit can operate independently, but the cleaning operation is limited by the charging state of the power storage device and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply sources by connecting both the power storage device and the feeding portion to the cleaning unit simultaneously. This allows the cleaning unit to draw power from both sources, extending operational duration beyond what a single power storage device could provide while maintaining independent operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning unit is designed to accept power from multiple sources (power storage device and feeding portion), making it universally compatible with different power supply configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to varying power availability and extend operational duration without redesigning the cleaning unit.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the power from the feeding portion is supplied to both the traveling portion and the cleaning unit, then continuous power supply is possible, but the power may be insufficient relative to the total power required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power distribution where the power control portion continuously monitors power requirements and adjusts the allocation of power from the feeding portion between the traveling portion and cleaning unit based on current operational demands. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal power utilization and prevents power shortage while maintaining continuous supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power storage device is charged in advance during periods when power demand is lower, storing energy that can be discharged when power demand increases. This preliminary charging action ensures that sufficient power is available to meet peak demands of both traveling and cleaning operations without requiring the feeding portion to provide excessive power continuously.
3Productivity
If the power storage device is used to supply power to the cleaning unit, then the cleaning operation can be performed, but it is necessary to suspend the cleaning operation for replacement of the power storage device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous cleaning operation by maintaining dual power supply connections. When the power storage device is being replaced or recharged, the feeding portion continues to supply power to the cleaning unit, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous useful action without suspension for power storage device replacement.
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
Enables continuous cleaning operations without duration constraints, ensuring that the cleaning unit receives sufficient power, even when the feeding portion's power is insufficient, by utilizing stored power from the power storage device, thus maintaining operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power storage device electrically connected between the feeding portion and the cleaning unit, and capable of being charged and discharged
Data Source
AI summary
An article transport facility includes a traveling portion configured to travel on a traveling rail, a cleaning unit coupled to the traveling portion, a feeding portion configured to supply traveling driving power for the traveling portion and cleaning driving power for the cleaning unit, a power storage device connected between the feeding portion and the cleaning unit, and a power control portion. The power control portion is configured to: charge the power storage device with power corresponding to a driving state of the traveling portion and a position of the traveling portion along the transport path; and discharge the power storage device when power received from the feeding portion is insufficient relative to a total power of the traveling driving power and the cleaning driving power.