Transport System Mover Control Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport systems for processing components in manufacturing systems often rely on centralized control units, which can lead to inefficiencies as movement of movers in one process station may interfere with or be controlled by the same unit managing other parts of the system, limiting independent control and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A transport system with separate control units for each process station and transport region, allowing for independent control of movers within each station, utilizing handover units to transfer control between units and enabling autonomous movement based on target specifications while avoiding collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a centralized control unit is used to control mover movement throughout the processing system, then system integration is simplified, but control flexibility and independence of individual process stations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent control units, each responsible for controlling mover movement within a specific process station. This segmentation allows each station to operate independently with its own control logic, while still being part of the overall system. The handover units act as interfaces between these segmented control regions, enabling smooth transitions without requiring a fully centralized control architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If independent control units are used for each process station, then control flexibility and adaptability improve, but system complexity and coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Handover units are introduced as intermediary components between different control units. These handover units manage the transition of mover control from one process station to another, handling the coordination complexity. By localizing the coordination function in these intermediary handover units rather than requiring all control units to communicate directly with each other, the overall system complexity is managed more effectively.
3Ease of operation
If centralized control is used, then coordination is easier, but movement efficiency and response time to process-specific requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each control unit is designed with local quality tailored to its specific process station requirements. This means each control unit can be optimized for the specific movement patterns, speeds, and handling requirements of its associated process station. This localized optimization enables more efficient and responsive mover movement compared to a generic centralized control approach, while handover units ensure smooth coordination between stations.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a transport system for transporting at least one component within a processing system for processing the at least one component comprising at least one process station (2), wherein the transport system (3) comprises at least one mover (4) for moving the at least one component, a first transport unit (5) for transporting the at least one mover (4) to each of the at least one process station (2), and at least one second transporting unit (6,7) for transporting the at least one mover (4) within each of the at least one process station (2), wherein the first transport unit (5) comprises at least one control unit (8) for controlling movement of the at least one mover (4) in the first transport unit (5), and wherein the at least one second transport unit (6,7) comprises at least one further control unit (9) for controlling movement of the at least one mover (4) in the at least one second transport unit (6,7).