Article Transport Vehicle Power Path Control for Stable Wireless Supply
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Article transport vehicles in semiconductor manufacturing systems face inefficiencies due to limited power supply from contactless power transmission, leading to operational disruptions and high costs from frequent replacement of energy storage devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for managing power in article transport vehicles, incorporating a power receiving unit, a power storage unit, and a power control unit that dynamically control power paths between these units based on the vehicle's operation state, allowing power from the power supply unit, storage units, or regenerative energy to ensure continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If contactless power supply is used for article transport vehicles, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but power supply stability deteriorates due to limited power availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines contactless power supply with onboard energy storage devices (capacitors or batteries) to create a hybrid power system. The power receiving unit captures power wirelessly from the rail, while the energy storage device stores excess power and provides supplementation when contactless power is insufficient, thereby maintaining both transmission efficiency and supply stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the contactless power supply and the power generating unit. It buffers power fluctuations, stores excess energy during high-power transmission, and releases energy during low-power or interrupted transmission, ensuring continuous and stable power supply to the vehicle.
2Device complexity
If contactless power supply alone is used, then system complexity is reduced, but operational reliability deteriorates due to frequent energy storage device replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between contactless power supply and onboard energy storage based on operational needs. The power control unit monitors power availability and automatically adjusts the power source, allowing the system to maintain simplicity during normal operation while ensuring reliability during power shortages or high-demand situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the power system by introducing controllable power paths that can switch between different power sources. The power receiving unit, energy storage device, and power generating unit can adjust their operational states based on real-time conditions, optimizing both system complexity and reliability.
3Reliability
If power storage unit is added to supplement contactless power, then power supply stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device serves multiple functions: storing excess power from contactless transmission, supplementing power during high-demand periods, and providing backup power during transmission interruptions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive power management benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system operates autonomously with the power control unit automatically managing power flow between the contactless power receiving unit, energy storage device, and power generating unit. The system self-regulates power distribution based on real-time operational conditions without requiring external intervention, reducing the operational burden despite increased device 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
This solution enables efficient driving of article transport vehicles by optimizing power usage, reducing operational disruptions, and extending the lifespan of energy storage devices, thereby lowering maintenance and replacement costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power supply unit for supplying the electric energy to the article transport vehicle may be arranged along the rail. The power supply unit installed on the rail can transmit the electrical energy to the article transport vehicle by a contactless power transmission method
Implementation Method 2
a power storage unit configured to store a portion of the power supplied from the power receiving unit and to supply the stored power
Implementation Method 3
a power generating unit configured to generate a driving power for driving the article transport vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for managing power of an article transport vehicle in an article transport system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a power receiving unit configured to receive a power in a contactless manner from a power supply unit installed at a driving route of the article transport vehicle and to control the power; a power storage unit configured to store a portion of the power supplied from the power receiving unit and to supply the stored power; a power generating unit configured to generate a driving power for driving the article transport vehicle and to generate a power by using the power supplied from the power receiving unit or the power storage unit; and a power control unit configured to control power paths between the power storage unit, the power receiving unit, and the power generating unit.