Conveying System for Simultaneous Multi-Location Object Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for moving articles, such as garments in digital printing operations, are inefficient due to serial processing stages that require different times and locations, leading to time losses and increased costs, especially when dealing with limited space and complex terrain.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system utilizing a combination of linear and rotary actuators to simultaneously move multiple articles between different locations, including vertically stacked processing modules, allowing for compact and scalable digital printing environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If articles are moved using manual handling between processing stages, then flexibility in handling different articles is maintained, but processing time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-contained robotic cells that autonomously handle articles through all processing stages without requiring manual intervention between stages. Each robotic cell is equipped with its own handling mechanisms that can adapt to different article types while maintaining high-speed automated operation throughout the entire processing sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic cells are designed with universal handling capabilities that can process multiple types of articles (garments, bags, hats, shoes) using the same automated mechanisms. The system employs standardized carriers and grippers that can accommodate various article shapes and sizes, eliminating the need for dedicated manual handling for each article type while maintaining high throughput.
2Productivity
If articles are moved using conventional automated robotic systems, then processing speed increases, but system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the manufacturing process into discrete, modular robotic cells, each handling a specific processing stage (cutting, sewing, assembly, finishing). Each cell is an independent automated unit with its own robotic manipulator and processing equipment, allowing for simplified individual cell design while achieving high overall throughput through parallel operation of multiple cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs nested carriers and sub-assemblies where smaller components are integrated within larger structures. For example, articles are placed on carriers that are then handled by robotic grippers, which themselves are part of larger robotic arms within enclosed cell structures. This nesting approach reduces the overall footprint and simplifies the external interface while maintaining complex internal functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If processing stages are arranged in serial configuration, then each stage can be optimized independently, but total processing time increases due to sequential movement
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous motion of articles through the processing line by having multiple robotic cells operate in parallel sequences. While one article is being processed in Cell 1, another article moves from Cell 1 to Cell 2, and a third article enters Cell 1. This overlapping of operations eliminates idle transport time between stages while each cell remains independently optimized for its specific processing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares articles for the next processing stage in advance by having subsequent robotic cells ready to receive articles before the current cell completes processing. For example, Cell 2 is pre-positioned and ready to immediately receive an article as soon as Cell 1 finishes, eliminating waiting time. The system also pre-positions carriers and adjusts gripper configurations ahead of time to ensure seamless transitions between stages.
4Extent of automation
If multiple robotic systems are used to handle articles, then automation level increases, but difficulty of coordinating movement between systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control functions of multiple robotic cells into a single integrated control system that coordinates all cells through a unified scheduling algorithm. The controller manages article flow, gripper operations, and carrier positioning across all cells simultaneously, reducing coordination complexity compared to independent control systems while maintaining high automation levels. The control system uses standardized communication protocols and synchronized timing to coordinate movements seamlessly.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments provide for a conveying system to move multiple articles from one location to another. The conveying system may use a transport device to grasp each article from an initial location, rotate the articles away from the initial locations, move the articles linearly, and rotate the articles to destination locations. Rather than moving each article one-by-one, in the embodiments described herein, the conveying system can move multiple articles simultaneously to various locations where each location may contain a different process to perform on the article. Moving multiple articles simultaneously shortens the time required to process the articles.