Asymmetrical Suction Cup Flow Rates for Robotic Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fulfillment centers face inefficiencies in processing and handling items due to high volumes and varied packaging, making it difficult for robotic systems to accurately grasp and move items, especially in cluttered environments with loose or irregular packaging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing robotic picking assemblies with asymmetrical suction cup flow rates and mesh filters, which allow for precise grasping and handling of items regardless of packaging, using computer vision to identify items and determine optimal suction cup configurations for successful picking and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic picking assembly uses a single suction cup configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle different packaging types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The picking assembly is divided into multiple independent suction cup assemblies, each with different flow rates. This segmentation allows the system to handle various packaging types by selecting the appropriate suction cup assembly, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely different system for each packaging type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and switches between different suction cup assemblies based on the detected packaging type. This dynamic adaptability allows the robotic picking assembly to optimize its performance for each specific packaging type while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Productivity
If the robotic system uses high flow rate suction cups for all items, then the productivity increases, but the reliability of grasping delicate or loosely packaged items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different suction cup assemblies with different flow rates are assigned to different locations or functions within the picking assembly. High flow rate suction cups are used for robust packaging where speed is critical, while low flow rate suction cups are used for delicate or loosely packaged items where grasping reliability is paramount.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter of the suction cups based on the detected packaging type. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system can optimize both productivity and reliability for different items - using high flow rates for speed when appropriate and low flow rates for reliable grasping when needed.
3Reliability
If the robotic system uses low flow rate suction cups for all items, then the reliability of grasping delicate items is improved, but the productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The picking assembly is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple packaging types with a single configuration. By incorporating multiple suction cup assemblies with different flow rates, the system achieves multi-functionality - it can reliably grasp delicate items when needed while maintaining the capability for high-speed processing of robust packaging, thus improving overall productivity without sacrificing reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the picking assembly uses multiple suction cup assemblies with different flow rates, then the adaptability to different packaging types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the packaging type before picking, and based on this detection, pre-selects the appropriate suction cup assembly configuration. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the optimal suction cup assembly in advance, reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making and simplifying the control logic while maintaining high adaptability.
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
Improves processing speed and throughput in fulfillment centers by enabling accurate and repeatable handling of items with different types of packaging, reducing manual effort and potential damage to items or packaging.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction cup assembly that has a first flow rate, the first suction cup assembly including a first suction cup and a first mesh filter disposed in the first suction cup, and a second suction cup assembly having a second flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for robotic picking assemblies with different concurrent flow rates. In one embodiment, an example system may include a picking assembly coupled to a vacuum system. The picking assembly may include a first suction cup assembly having a first flow rate, the first suction cup assembly including a first suction cup and a first mesh filter disposed in the first suction cup, a second suction cup assembly having a second flow rate, the second suction cup assembly including a second suction cup and a second mesh filter disposed in the second suction cup, and a third suction cup assembly having the second flow rate, the third suction cup assembly including a third suction cup and a third mesh filter disposed in the third suction cup. The picking assembly may grasp items based on the first flow rate and the second flow rate.