Concentric Suction Cup Assembly for Reliable Mixed-Package Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fulfillment centers face inefficiencies in handling and processing large volumes of packages due to manual handling challenges and the complexity of handling items with varying packaging types, which complicates the logistics and reduces throughput.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of robotic arms equipped with concentric suction cup tools using parallel pistons and vacuum suction to accurately grasp and handle items of different sizes and shapes, regardless of packaging, improving the speed and efficiency of order fulfillment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used for packages, then flexibility in handling diverse packaging types is maintained, but processing speed and throughput are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup tool is designed with multiple concentric suction cups of different sizes that can be selectively activated to handle various packaging types (boxes, bags, envelopes, irregular items). This universal design allows a single robotic end effector to replace multiple manual handling approaches, maintaining flexibility while enabling automated high-speed processing
2Productivity
If robotic arms are introduced to improve throughput, then processing speed increases, but reliability in grasping items of varying sizes and shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup tool is segmented into multiple independent concentric suction cups (first, second, third, and fourth suction cups) with different diameters. Each suction cup can be independently activated or deactivated based on the size and shape of the item being handled. This segmentation allows the robotic system to reliably adapt to various packaging types while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific suction cups based on real-time item characteristics. The robotic arm can adjust which suction cups are engaged during the grasping operation, allowing dynamic adaptation to different item sizes and shapes while maintaining consistent grasping reliability across diverse packaging types
3Adaptability or versatility
If single-size suction cups are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different item sizes and shapes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup tool employs a nested concentric arrangement where smaller suction cups are positioned within larger ones. This nested structure allows multiple sizes to be integrated into a single compact tool head, providing high adaptability to different item sizes while minimizing the increase in device complexity through space-efficient design
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
This solution enhances the processing speed and throughput of fulfillment centers by enabling reliable robotic handling of items in cluttered environments, reducing manual effort and improving the handling of diverse item types, leading to more efficient logistics operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction system configured to provide negative air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for concentric suction cup tools with parallel pistons. In one embodiment, an example picking assembly may include a first piston subassembly with a first air cylinder, a first sliding rail that slides relative to the first air cylinder, and a first suction cup. The example picking assembly may include a second piston subassembly comprising a second air cylinder, a second sliding rail that slides relative to the second air cylinder, and a second suction cup, where the first and second piston subassemblies may be configured to independently actuate from a retracted position to an extended position. The example picking assembly may include a first guide plate with a first aperture for the first piston subassembly and a second aperture for the second piston subassembly, a shell that forms a housing for the picking assembly, and an airflow coupler.