Adjustable Grasping Head for Compact Article Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated dispensing systems are often costly and inefficient due to their large footprint, especially when handling various types of products, and may not be justified for low-frequency operations or when errors are not critical, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A compact automated retrieval and dispensing system featuring a grasping head with movable grasping members and a linear actuator that can adjust to different container sizes, using force feedback to secure containers, allowing for flexible and efficient handling of various container sizes and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated dispensing systems are used to handle various types of products, then dispensing efficiency and accuracy are improved, but the system footprint and cost increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the dispensing function into separate modular components: a robotic arm for retrieval, a grasping head with interchangeable grippers for different container types, and a dispensing station. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall system footprint by eliminating the need for dedicated automated dispensing equipment for each product type.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm with interchangeable grasping members serves multiple functions: it can retrieve different types of containers (bottles, cans, boxes), transport them to various locations, and work with different product categories. This universal design replaces multiple specialized automated dispensing systems, reducing both footprint and cost while maintaining high dispensing efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If conventional automated dispensing systems are implemented, then dispensing accuracy is improved, but the cost of automation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates vision systems and sensors that provide real-time feedback on container location, orientation, and type. This feedback enables the robotic arm to adjust its grasping force and position dynamically, achieving high dispensing accuracy without requiring expensive specialized automated dispensing equipment. The feedback loop allows for adaptive control that maintains precision across different container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses machine vision and automated recognition to identify container types and orientations, eliminating the need for manual programming or complex mechanical guides. The robotic arm autonomously adjusts its parameters based on sensor input, reducing the cost of automation while maintaining high accuracy through intelligent self-adjustment rather than expensive hardware.
3Productivity
If products are arranged for automated dispensing operation, then dispensing efficiency is improved, but storage efficiency decreases and floor space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic grasping members that can adjust their configuration based on the container type being handled. The robotic arm can dynamically reposition grasping elements to accommodate different container orientations and sizes, allowing products to be stored in their most space-efficient configurations rather than requiring uniform orientations for automated access. This dynamic adaptation enables high storage density without sacrificing dispensing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for dispensing and retrieving products is provided. A system may include: a grasping head; first and second grasping members, each grasping member comprising: a top member; a post member; and first and second grasping fingers, where the first and second grasping fingers extend from the post member and are spaced apart from the top member by a predetermined distance, where the first and second grasping members are connected to the grasping head, where at least one of the first and second grasping members is movably connected to the grasping head, where the at least one of the first and second grasping members is movable relative to the other of the first and second grasping members.