Backstop Surface for Reliable Robotic Container Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic end effectors face challenges in securely engaging with containers due to insufficient frictional resistance, leading to containers being pushed away instead of being grasped, especially when containers are lightweight, textured, or warped, which can disrupt the efficient movement and handling of inventory in storage facilities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a backstop surface or pivotable backstop at the conveyor interface to resist container movement, allowing the robotic end effector to engage with containers by exerting limited force, preventing containers from being pushed away and ensuring secure grasping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic end effector applies force to engage with a container, then the container can be grasped and moved, but the container may be pushed away due to insufficient frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
A backstop component is introduced as an intermediary element between the robotic end effector and the container. The backstop provides a fixed reference point that allows the end effector to push against the container with controlled force while the container's trailing edge engages with the backstop, preventing the container from being pushed away and enabling reliable grasping even with lightweight or textured containers
2Reliability
If the robotic end effector exerts more force to grasp the container, then engagement may be achieved, but damage or obstruction may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is positioned in advance to provide preliminary resistance against the container's movement. By engaging the container's trailing edge with the backstop before the end effector applies full grasping force, the system prevents excessive force from being applied to the container, thereby avoiding damage or obstruction while maintaining secure engagement
3Reliability
If the conveyor interface is modified to include a backstop, then container engagement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backstop is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently installed at the conveyor interface. This segmentation allows the backstop to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire conveyor system, thereby improving container engagement while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
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
The backstop surface or pivotable backstop enhances the ability of robotic end effectors to reliably engage with containers, reducing the risk of damage and obstruction, and ensuring efficient inventory handling and transport.
Implementation Method 1
Existing robotic end effectors face challenges in securely engaging with containers due to insufficient frictional resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An inventory handling system may implement a backstop to facilitate container engagement by a robotic manipulator. The system may include a second set of rollers positioned lower than a first set of rollers so as to define a stepped interface. The roller sets may be configured to carry a container. A backstop surface may be positioned along the stepped interface between the first set of rollers and the second set of rollers. The backstop surface may be arranged so as to contact a trailing side of the container traveling on the second set of rollers and in response to a robotic end effector pushing a leading side of the container towards the backstop surface and the first set of rollers. The backstop surface may be configured to resist movement of the container to enable the robotic end effector to engage with the leading side of the container.