Adjustable Robotic End-of-Arm Tool With Static and Movable Forks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling facilities face significant costs and time inefficiencies in processes like receipt, sorting, storage, and shipping due to the lack of automated systems for handling items and pallets, which hinder speed and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an end-of-arm tool system with both static and movable forks, integrated with robotic arms and sensors, enables simultaneous manipulation of multiple pallets, reducing cycle times and footprint, and improving safety by allowing concurrent lifting, placement, and storage of pallets using a combination of static and movable fork sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-fork systems are used for pallet handling, then device complexity is low, but productivity is reduced due to sequential operations requiring more cycle time
Solution Approach 1:
The end of arm tool is segmented into multiple independent fork sets (first set and second set of forks), each capable of independently engaging and manipulating pallets. This segmentation allows parallel operation on multiple pallets simultaneously, increasing productivity without requiring entirely separate handling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The second set of forks is designed with movable mounting that allows dynamic repositioning along the tool structure. This dynamic configuration enables the forks to adapt to different pallet positions and sizes, providing versatility while maintaining the ability to perform concurrent operations that improve productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple static fork sets are used to handle multiple pallets simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The second set of forks is mounted on movable support structures that allow repositioning along the end of arm tool. This dynamic capability enables compact configuration where forks can be moved into position only when needed, reducing the permanent footprint while maintaining concurrent handling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable fork structure is designed to nest or retract when not in use, allowing the second set of forks to be positioned close to the first set. This nesting approach minimizes the overall footprint while preserving the ability to perform simultaneous pallet operations when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable forks are added to enable flexible positioning, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second set of forks is mounted on movable support structures that allow repositioning along the end of arm tool. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different pallet configurations, sizes, and positions while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical implementation through guided linear movement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods to manipulate objects may include an adjustable robotic end of arm tool including a pair of static forks or arms and a pair of movable forks or arms. The static forks may be configured to lift objects, such as pallets, totes, or bins. The movable forks may be configured to move between a plurality of positions, including a storage position and a lifting position. When in the lifting position, the movable forks may also be configured to lift objects, such as pallets, totes, or bins, such that the adjustable robotic end of arm tool may simultaneously or concurrently lift and manipulate multiple objects using the static forks and the movable forks, thereby improving speed and efficiency of operations or processes utilizing the adjustable robotic end of arm tool.