Blind Retrieval Mechanism for Mixed Dispensable Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved techniques to retrieve and manage dispensable units of varying sizes, orientations, textures, and weights, as well as to detect their properties for efficient dispensing and notification systems to prevent misuse or hazards.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a pick-and-place retrieval robot with a retrieval strategy using predetermined sequences, optical sensors, weight measurement devices, and networked notification systems to identify and manage dispensable units, enabling blind retrievals and adaptive retrieval patterns, and alerting users to potential issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pick-and-place retrieval robot uses blind retrievals with predetermined sequences for dispensable units of arbitrary size, orientation, texture, and weight, then the system can handle diverse dispensable units, but the retrieval efficiency and precision are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse dispensable unitsVSAvoidretrieval efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by using optical sensors and weight measurement devices to detect and identify dispensable units before retrieval. This preliminary detection allows the system to plan retrieval paths and strategies in advance, improving both efficiency and precision while maintaining adaptability to diverse units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where optical sensors continuously monitor the positions and properties of dispensable units during retrieval. Weight measurement devices provide feedback on successfully retrieved units, allowing the system to adjust its retrieval strategy in real-time, thereby improving efficiency without sacrificing versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If optical sensors and weight measurement devices are used to identify dispensable units, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precision of dispensable unitsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs multi-functional sensors that perform both optical detection and weight measurement simultaneously. This universal approach allows a single integrated system to gather multiple types of data about dispensable units, improving detection precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional consolidation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If networked notification systems are implemented for real-time alerts, then safety and reliability are improved, but loss of time for system setup and maintenance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of dispensing processVSAvoidtime for system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system is designed to automatically configure itself upon system initialization, using the detected properties of dispensable units to set up appropriate alert thresholds and notification channels. This self-service capability reduces the time required for manual system setup while maintaining high reliability through automated safety monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively retrieves and manages dispensable units of diverse characteristics, enhances retrieval efficiency, and provides timely notifications, ensuring safe and controlled dispensing processes.

Implementation Method 1

The identification of dispensable units through optical sensors, weight measurement devices, and so forth that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

weight measurement devices, and so forth that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWeight measurement: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11791028B2Dispensable unit retrieval mechanism

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 HERO HEALTH INC

AI summary

A system enables management of dispensable units by supporting functions such as retrieval, scheduled distribution, analysis, and notifications. To this end, a dispensable retrieval mechanism may be programmed to carry out blind retrievals of dispensable units using a retrieval strategy with a predetermined sequence of retrieval attempts (e.g., fixed or varying two-dimensional retrieval patterns), which may be open loop or closed loop. Techniques may also include the identification of dispensable units through optical sensors and weight measurement devices that can detect, e.g., a texture, a shape, and a size of dispensable units. Such identification can be used to program retrieval attempts by a retrieval robot and in the formulation of the retrieval pattern. Additionally, networked notification systems for dispensable units can be used for updating rules or schedules related to the dispensable units, or alerting users and remote resources of any potential misuse or hazards of the dispensable units.