Adaptive Gripping Device for Variable Product Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for automatic handling of products in e-commerce are limited in adapting to highly variable shapes, sizes, and weights, particularly when products are packaged in flexible bags, leading to inefficiencies in suction and increased risk of double-picking.
Innovation Solution
A variable configuration gripping device with a central support and articulated modules, equipped with suction cups and pneumatic actuators, that uses vision-based feedback to adapt its configuration and suction force distribution in real-time, allowing for precise gripping of products with diverse three-dimensional profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration gripping device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to products with highly variable shapes, sizes and weights
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the gripping device configuration variable rather than fixed. The device can change its footprint and suction cup positions dynamically to match different product geometries. This is achieved through a control system that receives product geometric information and adjusts the gripping device configuration accordingly, allowing the same device to handle products with highly variable shapes, sizes and weights effectively.
2Reliability
If the gripping device footprint is fixed, then the device design is simple, but it causes double-picking when products have smaller footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic footprint adaptation by allowing the gripping device to adjust its active suction cup positions and footprint size based on the detected product dimensions. When products with smaller footprint are detected, the device reduces its active gripping area to match the product size, preventing double-picking. This dynamic adjustment is controlled by a system that processes product geometric data and configures the gripping device accordingly.
3Reliability
If suction cups are positioned for specific product sizes, then gripping is effective for those products, but suction cups fail to contact products with different three-dimensional profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the local quality principle by enabling independent control and positioning of multiple suction cups. Each suction cup can be individually activated or deactivated, and their positions can be adjusted locally to match the specific three-dimensional profile of the product. This allows the gripping device to concentrate suction force on the actual contact points with the product surface, ensuring reliable suction contact regardless of product shape variations.
4Reliability
If the gripping device is designed for specific product dimensions, then it works well for those products, but it cannot handle products in flexible bags with masked dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by using a vision system to detect and analyze product geometric characteristics before the gripping operation. This allows the system to pre-determine the optimal gripping device configuration, including suction cup positions and activation patterns, based on the detected product dimensions and shape. For products in flexible bags, the vision system detects the bag's external geometry, and the gripping device is pre-configured accordingly, ensuring effective gripping even when the actual product dimensions are masked.
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
Enables effective handling of products with marked variability in shape and size by actively adapting the gripping device's configuration and suction points, reducing the risk of double-picking and improving suction efficiency, even when products are inside flexible bags.
Implementation Method 1
gripping devices equipped with suction cups, which grip the products by suction
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device includes a plurality of modules articulated to a central support and carrying a plurality of suction gripping elements, a plurality of actuators associated with respective modules and operable independently of each other to vary a position of the respective modules, and a drive unit configured to control the plurality of actuators according to signals indicative of geometric characteristics of products to be handled.