Dispensable Unit Retrieval With Adaptive Blind Pick Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle with efficiently retrieving and dispensing units of arbitrary size, orientation, texture, and weight, and there is a need for improved detection and notification systems for dispensable units.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a pick-and-place retrieval robot with blind retrieval strategies, optical sensors, and networked notification systems to manage and identify dispensable units, enabling efficient retrieval and scheduling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If blind retrieval strategies with predetermined sequences are used, then retrieval efficiency is improved, but adaptability to different unit properties deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where sensors detect properties of dispensable units (size, orientation, texture, weight) and this information feeds back to adjust the retrieval strategy. The controller modifies the predetermined sequence based on real-time feedback about unit characteristics, allowing the system to maintain high retrieval efficiency while adapting to different unit properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval system transitions from static predetermined sequences to dynamic adaptive sequences. The retrieval pattern is no longer fixed but dynamically adjusted based on detected unit properties, enabling the system to optimize retrieval efficiency for each specific configuration of dispensable units while maintaining versatility across different unit types.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If optical sensors and weight measurement devices are added for identification, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multi-functional sensors that serve multiple purposes. Optical sensors not only detect unit properties for retrieval strategy formulation but also provide feedback for real-time adjustments. Weight measurement devices serve both identification and verification functions. This multi-functionality improves detection capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by avoiding redundant sensing components.
3Manufacturing precision
If closed loop retrieval with feedback is implemented, then retrieval accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of dispensable unit properties using optical sensors and weight measurement devices before the actual retrieval operation. This preliminary action provides advance information that allows the controller to pre-calculate the optimal retrieval strategy, reducing the need for iterative adjustments during retrieval and thereby minimizing processing time while maintaining high retrieval accuracy through feedback.
Data Source
AI summary
A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.