Vehicle Closure-Mounted Manipulator for Automated Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loading and unloading objects from vehicles can be difficult, especially when a person is not available to perform these tasks.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with a manipulator system that includes a closure structure, an actuator, and a manipulator with arm portions connected by actuated joints and an end effector, which can move objects in and out of the vehicle, controlled by sensors and a controller to automate the loading and unloading process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manipulator system is mounted to a closure structure, then the manipulator gains an additional degree of freedom for loading and unloading objects, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure structure serves dual functions: it acts as both the traditional door/hatch for vehicle access and as a mounting platform for the manipulator system. This multi-functionality allows the manipulator to gain an additional degree of freedom without requiring separate dedicated structures, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced positioning capability.
2Extent of automation
If an actuator is added to move the closure structure, then automated control of the manipulator is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator system is integrated with the existing closure structure mechanisms. The same actuator that opens and closes the vehicle door/hatch is utilized to position the manipulator, merging two functions into a single actuation system. This reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall automated control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple purposes: it controls the closure structure's movement between open and closed positions, and simultaneously positions the manipulator arm for loading and unloading operations. This multi-functional actuation reduces the need for additional dedicated actuators, thereby maintaining automation while controlling system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the manipulator is connected to the closure structure, then object handling flexibility is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to operate autonomously without requiring manual intervention. The controller automatically manages the closure structure's movement and the manipulator's positioning based on pre-programmed sequences or sensor input, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for complex manual control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical control is replaced with an automated control system that uses sensors, controllers, and actuators to manage the manipulator's movements. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated control systems improves ease of operation by eliminating the need for complex manual coordination while maintaining high flexibility in object handling.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure connects a closure structure to a body for movement between a closed position in which the closure structure obstructs an opening and an open position in which the closure structure does not obstruct the opening. An actuator is operable to cause motion of the closure structure. A manipulator is connected to the closure structure and includes arm portions that are connected by actuated joints that are operable to move the arm portions with respect to each other and an end effector that is configured to pick up and release objects. Sensors output sensor signals and a controller is operable to cause motion of the closure structure to move the end effector relative to the objects based in part on the sensor signals.