Bridge-Mounted Robot Arm for Container Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for loading and unloading piece goods from transport vehicles or containers are cumbersome and time-consuming due to robots needing to turn and move in multiple directions to place goods on conveyor belts, especially when dealing with complexly shaped or large containers.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a robot mounted on a bridge above a conveyor belt with telescopic arms, allowing the robot to grasp and place goods directly on the belt without additional pivoting or rotating movements, enabling efficient coverage of the entire container cross-section and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the robot is positioned to the side of or in front of the conveyor belt at the end of the container, then the robot can access goods, but the robot must turn and perform additional pivoting movements to deposit goods on the conveyor belt, making the process time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The robot is repositioned from the traditional side/front position to an elevated position above the conveyor belt, utilizing the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the robot to deposit goods directly onto the conveyor belt without additional pivoting or turning movements, eliminating the time-consuming maneuvers required in conventional configurations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of positioning the robot at the end of the conveyor belt as in conventional designs, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the robot above the conveyor belt. This inverted configuration allows the robot to work vertically downward onto the conveyor, reversing the traditional horizontal approach and eliminating the need for the robot to turn after picking up goods
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot uses telescopic arms with multiple pivoting points, then the robot can reach goods in various positions within the container, but the robot structure becomes more complex requiring multiple pivoting and rotating movements
Solution Approach 1:
The robot's telescopic arms are configured with pivoting points located on the vertical legs and crossbeam of the bridge structure, utilizing the vertical dimension. This arrangement allows the arms to reach across the entire container width and depth while maintaining a simpler mechanical structure compared to traditional horizontal configurations, as the pivoting points are strategically positioned to maximize reach with minimal movement
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The robot comprises a slide (34), on one end of which an arm (36) is pivoted. This is made up of two jointed sections (40, 42) with a gripper (44) on the free end. The arm can rotate in a plane at an angle of 45 - 90[deg] to the horizontal. Independent claims are included for: (A) a loader and unloader for vehicles or containers comprising a conveyor (10) and the robot; and (B) a similar loader and unloader for shelves.