Article Transport Facility Sub-Path Intersection Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article transport facilities require wide spaces in both the width and vertical directions due to the complex three-dimensional intersection structure of sub-paths, making them inefficient in terms of space utilization.
Innovation Solution
The article transport facility is configured with a sub-path that includes a first and second upstream path, a first and second downstream path, and an intersection portion, where the paths intersect at the same height, allowing the article transport vehicle to branch off from the main paths and merge with different paths without needing significant shifts in the width direction, thus reducing the required space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the first sub-path and second sub-path are arranged in the path width direction with arc-shaped ends to allow smooth transfer, then the article transport vehicle can transfer between main paths, but a wide space is required in the path width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by arranging the first and second sub-paths in the vertical direction instead of the path width direction. This allows the sub-paths to intersect at different heights (same horizontal position) rather than requiring wide horizontal spacing, thereby reducing the space required in the path width direction while still enabling smooth transfer through vertical separation.
2Area of stationary object
If the first sub-path and second sub-path are arranged in the vertical direction in a stepped manner, then the space in the path width direction is reduced, but a wide space is required in the vertical direction and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first and second sub-paths at the same horizontal position by having them intersect at the same height rather than being arranged in a stepped manner. This combining approach eliminates the need for vertical separation and complex three-dimensional intersections, simplifying the overall structure while still achieving the goal of reducing path width direction space through linear arrangement of the sub-paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the sub-path is provided with a three-dimensional intersection structure, then the article transport vehicle can branch and merge between main paths, but the structure becomes more complex and requires wide space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sub-paths into distinct linear sections (first sub-path and second sub-path) that are arranged parallel to each other in the path width direction. This segmentation allows the system to maintain branching and merging capability through clear, separate path definitions rather than complex three-dimensional intersections, thereby reducing structural complexity while preserving adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A sub-path is connected to a first main path and a second main path along which an article transport vehicle travels in a direction opposite to that of the first main path. The sub-path includes an intersection portion, a first upstream path connected to the first main path and the intersection portion, a second upstream path connected to the second main path and the intersection portion, a first downstream path connected to the intersection portion and the second main path, and a second downstream path connected to the intersection portion and the first main path. In the intersection portion, a first connection path that connects the first upstream path and the first downstream path, and a second connection path that connects the second upstream path and the second downstream path are provided so as to be located at the same height and to intersect each other.