Article Transfer Device Torque Feedback Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional article transfer devices are unable to accurately transfer articles to a target location when the target location is displaced in the projecting and retracting direction due to installation errors, and they require complex operatively connecting mechanisms between article holders.

Innovation Solution

The article transfer device employs a pair of projecting and retracting motors with torque-based stopping mechanisms and a transfer controller to ensure proper alignment with positioning contact members, allowing for simplified structure and adaptive transfer to displaced target locations by projecting article holders beyond the required distance to account for displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a predetermined projected position is used to stop the article holders, then the structure is simplified, but the article transfer device cannot adapt to displaced target locations

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidadaptability to displaced target locations

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer controller monitors torque values from the projecting and retracting motors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the projected position. When torque exceeds a threshold, indicating contact with the positioning contact member, the controller stops the motor operation, enabling adaptive positioning without complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical operatively connecting mechanisms with a control-based system. Instead of mechanical linkages that physically connect article holders, the system uses torque monitoring and electronic control to achieve synchronized positioning, simplifying the mechanical structure while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a single predetermined position is used for article transfer, then the device structure is simple, but manufacturing precision requirements increase when target location is displaced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static predetermined position to a dynamic positioning system. The projected position is no longer fixed but is determined in real-time based on torque feedback, allowing the article holders to automatically adjust to the actual target location within the storage section.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from a fixed positional value to a torque-based threshold. By monitoring torque values and comparing them against predetermined thresholds, the system dynamically determines when to stop motor operation, achieving precise positioning without requiring complex mechanical precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the article holders are projected to a fixed position, then the operation is simple, but the reliability of transfer to displaced locations decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidtransfer reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The transfer controller continuously monitors torque values during the projection operation and uses this feedback to determine the actual contact point with the positioning contact member. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable transfer even when the target location is displaced, while maintaining simple operation through automatic position determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate transfer of articles to displaced target locations without the need for complex connecting mechanisms, maintaining proper positional relationships and preventing improper transfers by using preset torque values and additional safety features like movement restricting members.

Implementation Method 1

the transfer controller is configured to control operations of the pair of projecting and retracting motors to stop operation of the first projecting and retracting motor when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor due to the article coming into contact with a positioning contact member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentUS8753060B2Article transfer device

Publication Date: 2014.06.17 DAIFUKU CO LTD

AI summary

An article transfer device with a simpler structure is provided which can transfer an article to a proper position. Operation of a first projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor when a first article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the first projecting and retracting motor. And operation of a second projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the second projecting and retracting motor when a second article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the second projecting and retracting motor.