Autonomous Bobbin Loading Carriage With Inductive Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated solutions for loading bobbins in weaving machines face challenges such as reduced accessibility due to rail-guided robotic arms, high investment costs, and limited power and speed of robotic arms due to battery constraints, which hinder efficient operation and increase cycle times.
Innovation Solution
An autonomously mobile device with a robotic arm powered by an electrical energy storage system that can be recharged via mechanical friction contacts or electromagnetic induction, allowing rapid and powerful operation without compromising autonomy, and a second carriage for bobbin supply with similar recharging capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic arm is mounted on a rail-guided carriage to automate bobbin loading, then automation is improved, but accessibility to racks deteriorates and infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent autonomously mobile carriages that operate separately rather than a continuous rail system. Each carriage is a self-contained unit with its own robotic arm and energy storage, allowing flexible movement and operator access while maintaining automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriages are designed to be dynamically mobile rather than fixed on rails. They can autonomously navigate to different rack locations, providing both automation and flexibility for operator access when needed.
2Productivity
If the robotic arm is equipped with high power and speed to handle heavy bobbins, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases and autonomy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage device is recharged before the carriage embarks on its autonomous journey. This preliminary charging action ensures the carriage has sufficient energy for its mission while maintaining high power output for the robotic arm during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage autonomously returns to charging stations to recharge its energy storage device. This self-service capability allows the system to maintain continuous operation without external intervention, preserving both high productivity and autonomy.
3Extent of automation
If multiple rail/carriage/robotic arm assemblies are deployed for each aisle, then automation coverage is improved, but investment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each autonomously mobile carriage is designed as a universal platform that can serve multiple aisles and rack locations. The carriages can autonomously navigate different areas of the manufacturing facility, eliminating the need for dedicated rail systems in each aisle and reducing overall infrastructure 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
Enables efficient, high-speed, and cost-effective automated loading and unloading of bobbins with enhanced accessibility and reduced operational impact on the manufacturing facility, improving cycle times and reducing the need for extensive infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy storage device, the autonomous movement means and the robotic arm of the first autonomously mobile carriage being supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy storage device of this first carriage
Implementation Method 2
means for electrically recharging its electrical energy storage device by mechanical friction contacts or contactlessly by electromagnetic induction
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomously mobile device (12) for loading bobbins (18) in a manufacturing facility (10) comprises a first autonomously mobile carriage (30) on which a robotic arm (32) for moving at least one bobbin is mounted, the first autonomously mobile carriage also comprising a control unit, autonomous movement means controlled by the control unit, and an electrical energy storage device, the autonomous movement means and the robotic arm being supplied with electrical energy by the electrical energy storage device of this first carriage (30), the first autonomously mobile carriage (30) also comprising means (40) for electrically recharging its electrical energy storage device by mechanical friction contacts or contactlessly by electromagnetic induction.