Bag Separation Manipulator for Sticky Porous Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulators fail to efficiently separate and displace topmost bags from stacks, especially when bags are porous or stick together, leading to unwanted displacement of multiple bags and disruptions in production lines.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a separating manipulator, a displacing manipulator, and a holding manipulator, along with a stack level detector and displacement assembly, which selectively seizes, lifts, and displaces the topmost bag while maintaining the second topmost bag in place, using suction cups and adjustable arms to prevent sticking and ensure precise displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single manipulator is used to remove and displace the topmost bag, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates because bags may stick together and be displaced unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulator system is divided into two independent segments: a separating manipulator that performs only the separation function and a displacing manipulator that performs only the displacement function. This segmentation allows each manipulator to be optimized for its specific task, improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A holding manipulator is introduced as an intermediary element that temporarily holds the second topmost bag during the separation and displacement operations. This intermediary prevents the second topmost bag from being accidentally displaced while allowing the topmost bag to be separated and displaced reliably.
2Productivity
If bags are handled quickly to maintain productivity, then the productivity is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates because multiple bags may be displaced together
Solution Approach 1:
The handling operation is segmented into two sequential phases: separation phase (using separating manipulator) and displacement phase (using displacing manipulator). This segmentation enables precise single-bag handling at high speed by eliminating the need for manipulators to perform multiple functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating manipulator performs preliminary separation of the topmost bag from the stack before the displacing manipulator begins displacement. This preliminary action ensures that only the topmost bag is displaced, maintaining precision even during rapid handling operations.
3Ease of operation
If porous bags are handled with conventional manipulators, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the reliability deteriorates because porous bags stick to each other and cause displacement of multiple bags
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation system is segmented into specialized functions: the separating manipulator with suction cups for separation, the displacing manipulator for displacement, and the holding manipulator for stabilization. This segmentation enables reliable handling of porous bags by addressing their sticking特性 through dedicated separation action before displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding manipulator acts as an intermediary that stabilizes the second topmost bag during operations on the topmost bag. This prevents the second topmost bag from being accidentally displaced due to sticking, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
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 apparatus effectively separates and displaces the topmost bag without disturbing the second topmost bag, maintaining production line efficiency by ensuring accurate and single-bag handling, even with sticky or porous bags.
Implementation Method 1
The separating manipulator has a prehension end-effector selectively activable to seize and maintain the topmost bag
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for repeatedly separating and displacing a topmost bag between a bag stack location and a second location. The apparatus comprises a separating manipulator having a prehension end-effector selectively activable/deactivable to seize and maintain the topmost bag and subsequently release the topmost bag. The separating manipulator is selectively configurable in a bag engaging configuration to seize a separation section of the topmost bag and a lifted configuration where the prehension end-effector is spaced-apart from a second topmost bag of the stack. The displacing manipulator has a prehension end-effector selectively activable/deactivable to seize and maintain a displacement engagement section of and to subsequently release the topmost bag. The prehension end-effector is translatable along the displacement axis “X” to displace the topmost bag between the bag stack location and the second location. A method for repeatedly separating and displacing a topmost bag of a stack of bags is also provided.