Attachment interface, automated storage system, and gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated storage systems require complex and precise componentry, including sophisticated sensors and machine vision, making them unsuitable for mass production and servicing with varying degrees of robotic expertise.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with a slide lock and a shelfless support structure for containers, utilizing a simple robotic gripper and support system that engages under the rim-skirt edge of containers, allowing for a robust automated storage system suitable for mass production and servicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automated storage systems use sophisticated sensors and machine vision to manipulate containers, then the system achieves precise and reliable container manipulation, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sophisticated sensors and machine vision systems with a purely mechanical solution. The container's rim and skirt structures work together with a simple robotic gripper to achieve reliable manipulation through mechanical engagement alone, eliminating the need for complex sensing and vision systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The container design incorporates self-aligning features where the rim and skirt structures automatically guide the gripper into the correct position and provide self-centering during manipulation. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external sensing and positioning systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional automated storage systems use complex and precise componentry, then the system achieves accurate container manipulation, but the ease of manufacture and servicing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components for the gripper and container structures that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The design favors simple geometric shapes (rim, skirt, notches) over complex precision components.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into distinct functional elements (casing, rim, skirt) with simple geometric features that are easy to manufacture independently and assemble. The gripper is similarly segmented into simple engagement components.
3Ease of manufacture
If the automated storage system uses simple components for mass production, then the ease of manufacture improves, but the reliability of container manipulation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses curved and rounded features in the mechanical engagement system. The gripper engages with the container's rim and skirt using rounded contact surfaces that provide stable mechanical engagement and accommodate minor manufacturing tolerances, maintaining reliability despite component simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container features asymmetric rim and skirt structures with specific geometric relationships that ensure unambiguous engagement with the gripper. The notches in the skirt and corresponding gripper features create a unique fit that prevents misalignment and ensures reliable manipulation.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for an automated storage system. The container has a base which extends across an area that has a center point and an imaginary center axis that extends through the center point. The container also has a casing with a bottom end connected to the base and a top end opposing the bottom end and defining an opening for accessing the container. The casing extends from the base in a direction which has a component parallel to the center axis. A rim extends from the second end of the casing away from the center axis. A bottom-facing skirt extends from the rim, whereby a gripping space is formed between the casing, rim and skirt of the container.