3D Sensor-Guided Sheet Bundle Unwrapping Without Paper Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

In humid regions, removing sheets from wrapping paper without damaging them and without the intervention of a skilled operator is challenging due to the bending nature of paper and the risk of damage during unwrapping.

Innovation Solution

A control system using a three-dimensional sensor to detect the shape and inclination of wrapping paper, identifying the side surface, and controlling robotic arms to grip and cut the wrapping paper along the sheets' outlines, allowing the sheets to be removed without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If sheets are removed from wrapping paper by manual operation, then the sheets can be extracted, but the process requires skilled operators and risks damage to sheets

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removing sheetsVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automatic detection and control mechanisms where the three-dimensional sensor detects sheet bundle characteristics and the control device automatically determines cutting positions and forces, enabling the system to serve itself without skilled human operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated system comprising three-dimensional sensors for detection, a control device for processing, and a driving device for execution, substituting human skill with technological systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If wrapping paper is opened without proper positioning, then sheets can be accessed, but sheets may be damaged due to bending or improper handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of sheet removalVSAvoidsheet integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The three-dimensional sensor detects the wrapping paper and sheet bundle characteristics before opening, and the control device determines the optimal cutting position in advance, ensuring sheets are protected from damage before the actual removal process begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses three-dimensional sensing to continuously monitor the position and shape of the wrapping paper and sheets, providing feedback to the control device which adjusts the cutting position and driving force to maintain sheet integrity throughout the removal process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed cutting position is used, then the cutting device is simple to control, but it cannot adapt to different sheet bundle positions and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different sheet bundlesVSAvoidcomplexity of control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting position is made dynamic rather than fixed, allowing the control device to determine and adjust the cutting position based on real-time three-dimensional detection data, enabling adaptation to different sheet bundle configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device serves multiple functions: it receives three-dimensional detection data, processes sheet bundle characteristics, determines optimal cutting positions, and controls the driving device, creating a universal control system that handles various sheet bundle types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If manual intervention is used to remove sheets from wrapping paper, then sheets can be carefully handled, but the process is time-consuming and requires skilled operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of sheet removalVSAvoiddifficulty of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects sheet bundle characteristics, determines cutting positions, and executes the sheet removal process without requiring skilled human operators, making the operation easy and accessible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual skilled operations with an automated technological system comprising sensors, control devices, and driving mechanisms, eliminating the need for human skill while maintaining careful handling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4670927A1Control system, control method, and control program

Publication Date: 2025.12.31 FUJIFILM BUSINESS INNOVATION CORP

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AI summary

A control system 1 detects work information indicating the position and the shape of a wrapper 4 wrapping a sheet bundle 14A by using a 3D sensor 6, identify the location of a side surface of the wrapper 4 by using the detected work information, control an arm 2 so that a knife 8B attached to the arm 2 moves along the outlines of sheets 14 on the identified side surface of the wrapper 4, and removes the sheet bundle 14A from the wrapper 4 opened by the knife 8B by causing the arm 2 to grip the sheet bundle 14A exposed outside the wrapper 4.