Contactless Conveying Device

Organization Name

robert bosch gmbh

Inventor(s)

Heike Raatz of Stuttgart (DE)

Philipp Guth of Stuttgart (DE)

Joachim Frangen of Heilbronn (DE)

Contactless Conveying Device - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240174459 titled 'Contactless Conveying Device

Simplified Explanation

The conveying device described in the patent application is designed to transport payloads, such as wafers, using floating transport bodies that move over a stator's transport surface in all six degrees of freedom. The transport body features a movable boom, manipulator, or robotic arm at one end, where the payload is deposited or secured. Additionally, the payload can be processed and checked by an end effector on another transport body of the same device.

The conveying device transports payloads, like wafers, using floating transport bodies.
The transport bodies move in all six degrees of freedom over a stator's transport surface.
A movable boom, manipulator, or robotic arm on the transport body handles the payload at an end effector.
The payload can be processed and checked by an end effector on another transport body of the same device.

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and other industries requiring precise and efficient handling of delicate payloads.

Problems Solved

This technology solves the problem of accurately and safely transporting and processing fragile payloads, such as wafers, in manufacturing environments where precision is crucial.

Benefits

The benefits of this technology include increased efficiency, reduced risk of damage to payloads, improved accuracy in handling processes, and the ability to perform processing and checking tasks in a controlled manner.

Potential Commercial Applications

The potential commercial applications of this technology include semiconductor fabrication facilities, pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, and any industry that requires precise and reliable handling of delicate materials.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be automated robotic arms used in manufacturing processes to handle and process materials. Another could be conveyor systems with end effectors for specific tasks in production lines.

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to traditional conveyor systems in terms of efficiency and precision?

The article does not provide a direct comparison between this technology and traditional conveyor systems. Further research or testing would be needed to determine the specific advantages and disadvantages of this innovative conveying device.

What are the potential maintenance requirements for the movable booms, manipulators, or robotic arms on the transport bodies?

The article does not address the maintenance needs of the moving parts on the transport bodies. Understanding the maintenance schedule and requirements for these components would be crucial for implementing this technology in a production environment.

Original Abstract Submitted

a conveying device is configured to convey one or more payloads, in particular wafers, using transport bodies. the transport bodies are floatingly moved and positioned over a transport surface of a stator. the moving and positioning are preferably carried out with respect to all six degrees of freedom. the transport body has a movable boom or a movable manipulator or a movable robotic arm. at an end effector thereof, the payload is deposited or fastened. the payload can also be processed and/or checked. the processing and/or checking is carried out by an end effector of an additional transport body of the same conveying device.