Container Centering and Clamping for Random Rubber Block Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automated systems lack the capability to effectively control and manage containers with randomly arranged rubber blocks of varying sizes, shapes, orientations, and protective coverings, which hinders efficient picking and processing in rubber product manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
An automated cell with a frame, automatic centering system, clamping system, and locking system that includes guiding means, tiltable holding frames, and pivoting barriers to securely position and hold containers, combined with sensors for data collection and a robotic gripper for precise picking of rubber blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If rubber blocks are stored randomly in containers with various orientations and protective coverings, then storage space utilization is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring block positions and properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of container positioning from fixed to variable, allowing containers to be placed in any orientation and position. The automatic centering system dynamically adjusts container parameters (position, orientation) to achieve optimal storage space utilization while maintaining detectability through sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual detection and measurement methods with an automated sensing system. Sensors detect container and block positions, properties, and orientations automatically, eliminating the need for manual inspection and enabling the system to handle randomly arranged blocks efficiently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If containers are positioned without prior knowledge of block arrangement, then handling flexibility is improved, but the precision of picking operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic centering system performs preliminary positioning of containers before the picking operation. By pre-positioning containers in a standardized location and orientation, the system ensures that subsequent picking operations can be performed with high precision, even though the blocks within containers are randomly arranged.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual position and orientation of containers and blocks, then feeds this information back to the control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of picking parameters, maintaining precision despite variations in container arrangement and block positions.
3Device complexity
If a passive centering system is used for container positioning, then device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of container positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static passive centering system to a dynamic active centering system. The automatic centering system dynamically adjusts container positions using actuators and sensors, ensuring reliable positioning regardless of container variations. This dynamic approach maintains higher reliability while managing complexity through automated control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If containers of different sizes and with various protective coverings are handled, then adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal handling mechanisms that can accommodate different container sizes, shapes, and protective coverings. The automatic centering and sensing systems are designed to work with various container types without requiring manual adjustment, making the system universally applicable while maintaining ease of operation through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables containers to self-position and self-identify through integrated sensors and automatic centering mechanisms. Containers with different properties automatically present themselves for handling without requiring operator intervention to adjust positioning or account for protective coverings, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite diversity in container types.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an automated cell (100) for handling containers in which rubber blocks are arranged. The cell (100) includes: - a frame (102) that allows the fixed installation of the cell; - an automatic centering system having a guiding means that allows precise positioning of a loaded container in a loading space (112) of the cell; - a clamping system having a holding means that maintains the positioning of the loaded container in the loading space of the cell; and - a locking system having a locking means that maintains the positioning of the container in the loading space of the cell.