AMR Consumable Supply Interface for Continuous Production Stations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for supplying consumables to production line stations are inefficient, leading to production slowdowns, safety concerns, and high operational costs due to manual handling and lack of optimized planning, resulting in frequent interruptions and errors.

Innovation Solution

An automated system that uses autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) interacting with supply interfaces at stations, which include dedicated loading means for transferring consumables directly to reception spaces within the stations, controlled by a supervision system that optimizes consumable delivery and manages robot movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual handling and transfer of consumables is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity decreases due to frequent production slowdowns and interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidmanual handling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service through automated robotic units that independently transport consumables from storage areas to production stations, and automatically transfer them into the stations without human intervention. The robotic units autonomously navigate, locate stations, and execute transfer operations based on system coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical handling by operators is replaced with automated robotic systems. The robotic units equipped with transfer mechanisms substitute human operators for transporting and loading consumables, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If operators manually supply consumables to stations, then adaptability to different stations is maintained, but safety deteriorates due to access to locked enclosures and exposure to moving machinery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidaccess to stations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Robotic units serve as intermediaries between the external environment and the locked station enclosures. These robots can access stations that are otherwise inaccessible to operators during operation, transferring consumables through controlled interfaces without requiring operators to enter dangerous zones or unlock safety enclosures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Stations receive consumables autonomously through robotic transfer without requiring operator intervention. The system self-manages the supply process, eliminating the need for operators to physically access stations during production, thereby maintaining safety while ensuring continuous supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated robotic units are introduced for consumable supply, then productivity increases through continuous operation, but device complexity increases due to coordination systems and infrastructure requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidautomated system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated supply system is segmented into independent functional modules: robotic units for transport, transfer mechanisms at stations, and a coordination system. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to scale and adapt without requiring complete system redesign, thereby managing complexity while maintaining productivity benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If consumables are stored near multiple consecutive stations, then ease of access is improved, but harmful factors increase due to accumulation creating safety hazards and access restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumable accessVSAvoidsafety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Robotic units act as intermediaries that retrieve consumables from centralized or distributed storage and deliver them to stations without requiring operators to access storage areas or accumulate materials near production zones. This eliminates safety hazards associated with manual handling and accumulation while maintaining efficient supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4311796A1Interface, method and system for supervising the supply of expendable supplies to stations of a production line

Publication Date: 2024.01.31 SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS SAS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a consumable supply interface (5) for a product processing station (2), with an inlet (50) accessible to an autonomous mobile robot (AMR) (4) carrying a consumable corresponding to said processing by said station (2); means for the automatic transfer of said consumable from said robot (AMR) to a receiving area for said consumable, said receiving area (20) being integrated into said processing station (2), characterized in that the transfer means comprise automated loading means dedicated i) to said consumable to be transferred, and ii) to each receiving area (20) of certain processing stations (2) to be supplied with said corresponding consumable. The invention also relates to a production line (1) in which some of the stations (2) are equipped with such an interface (5), as well as a method for managing the supply of consumables to this production line (1).The invention also relates to a system for supervising the supply of consumables to said certain stations (2).