Conveyance Robot Operation Parameter Adjustment for Object Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conveyance robots face challenges in stabilizing conveyed objects during transport, particularly when subjected to vibrations or impacts, leading to potential collapse, especially when the objects are unstable or of varying types.

Innovation Solution

A conveyance system equipped with a conveyance robot, a controller, an image data acquisition unit, and a setting unit that sets operation parameters based on image data of the conveyed object, using a trained model or database to determine optimal parameters for stable transport, including acceleration modes and safe distances, to prevent object collapse and ensure safe passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the conveyance robot quickly conveys the conveyed object, then the productivity is improved, but the conveyed object may be subjected to vibration or impact causing collapse

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance speedVSAvoidobject stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts operation parameters (acceleration, speed, path) based on real-time image data analysis of the conveyed object's state. The conveyance robot transitions from static fixed parameters to dynamic adaptive parameters, modifying its operation profile according to the detected stability characteristics of different objects to prevent collapse while maintaining efficient conveyance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters such as acceleration rates, conveyance speed, and path selection based on the analyzed state of the conveyed object. By modifying these parameters dynamically according to object characteristics detected through image analysis, the system optimizes the balance between conveyance efficiency and object stability, preventing vibration-induced collapse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the conveyance robot uses fixed operation parameters, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot adapt to different states of conveyed objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system simplicityVSAvoidobject state adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs automated image data acquisition and analysis to self-determine the appropriate operation parameters for each conveyed object. Rather than requiring manual configuration or complex pre-programming for different object types, the system autonomously analyzes the object's state through imaging and automatically adjusts its operation profile, reducing the need for complex external control while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where image data of the conveyed object is continuously acquired and analyzed, and the operation parameters are adjusted based on this feedback. This closed-loop control enables the system to adapt to different object states dynamically without requiring complex open-loop programming, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If the conveyance robot accelerates rapidly to improve productivity, then the conveyance time is reduced, but the conveyed object may collapse due to impact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconveyance timeVSAvoidobject stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of the conveyed object's state through image data acquisition before initiating conveyance. Based on this advance analysis, the system pre-determines the optimal acceleration profile and operation parameters that balance speed and stability, preventing impact-induced collapse before it occurs while minimizing conveyance time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic image data acquisition during the conveyance process to continuously monitor the object's state. By periodically updating the operation parameters based on real-time feedback, the system can adjust acceleration and speed dynamically, preventing collapse while maintaining efficient conveyance timing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11584017B2Conveyance system, trained model generation method, trained model, control method, and program

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a conveyance system and the like capable of preferably conveying a conveyed object in accordance with a state of the conveyed object. The conveyance system includes a conveyance robot, a drive controller, which is a controller, an image data acquisition unit, and a setting unit. The conveyance robot conveys the conveyed object. The drive controller controls an operation of the conveyance robot. The image data acquisition unit acquires image data obtained by capturing images of the conveyed object. The setting unit sets an operation parameter of the conveyance robot in the drive controller based on the acquired image data.