Conveyor Station With Finned Belt for Autonomous Debris Emptying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous robots designed for single tasks face challenges in versatility and require human intervention for servicing, as they are not equipped to automatically empty debris collection containers, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs for multi-functional operations.
Innovation Solution
A conveyor station system that allows autonomous robots to empty sweeper modules by interfacing with a conveyor belt, which directs debris into trash receptacles, optionally incorporating a shredder system to compact debris and extend operational cycles, and a dust cover to minimize dust dispersal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous robots are designed for single tasks, then they can perform the specific function reliably, but they lack versatility and require multiple dedicated robots for different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The robot platform is designed with a universal interface system that can accommodate multiple types of modules (sweeping, mowing, blowing, etc.). The standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces allow a single robot chassis to perform multiple functions by simply changing modules, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated robots for different tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is divided into modular components: a base robot platform and interchangeable functional modules. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system maintains versatility through module interchangeability, resolving the contradiction between single-task reliability and multi-task capability.
2Extent of automation
If robots are not designed to be automatically serviced, then the system structure can be simpler, but human intervention is required at various stages of use reducing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system incorporates automatic module changing capability where the robot can autonomously detach full debris containers and attach empty ones at service stations, and can automatically change functional modules based on task requirements. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual intervention during operation, improving efficiency while the service stations provide the necessary automation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
Empty debris containers and alternative functional modules are prepared in advance at service stations. When the robot returns to the station, the module exchange is facilitated by pre-positioned components, allowing rapid automatic servicing without complex real-time decision-making or preparation during the servicing process itself.
3Productivity
If debris collection containers are emptied manually, then the emptying mechanism can be simpler, but it requires human intervention increasing operational costs and time
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system automatically empties its debris container at service stations by interfacing with a conveyor system. The robot positions its container against the conveyor, which automatically transfers the debris to a collection receptacle. This automated emptying process eliminates manual intervention, improving productivity while keeping the emptying mechanism relatively simple through the use of standard conveyor technology.
4Extent of automation
If a conveyor station is added to automate debris removal, then automatic emptying capability is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor station is designed as a multi-functional service station that can handle multiple operations: debris emptying, module exchanges, and potentially recharging. By consolidating these functions into a single station, the system achieves high automation without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same infrastructure supports multiple robotic operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor system acts as an intermediary between the robot's debris container and the final collection receptacle. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the emptying process by providing a standardized interface and automated transfer mechanism, reducing the complexity that would otherwise be required in the robot's own emptying system while achieving full automation.
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
Enables efficient and automated debris removal from autonomous robots, reducing human intervention and extending operational cycles by compacting debris, thus enhancing the versatility and cost-effectiveness of multi-functional robotic operations.
Implementation Method 1
The conveyor station includes a conveyor belt having a receiving region proximate to the input end and an angled transport region leading toward a dispense region
Implementation Method 2
The conveyor belt has a plurality of fins that extend out from a surface of the conveyor belt. The plurality of fins enable movement of debris collected at the receiving region toward the dispense region
Implementation Method 3
The conveyor station, in one embodiment, also includes a dust cover that is designed to reduce dust debris created when the sweeper module is emptied
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A
AI summary
A conveyor station, robot module, sweeper module, and methods for autonomously emptying debris using the conveyor station are described. In one example, a conveyor station includes a housing having an input end and an output end. The conveyor station includes a conveyor belt having a receiving region proximate to the input end and an angled transport region leading toward a dispense region. The conveyor belt has a plurality of fins that extend out from a surface of the conveyor belt. The plurality of fins enable movement of debris collected at the receiving region toward the dispense region. The dispense region is configured to push debris into a drop funnel of the housing, and the drop funnel directs debris into a receptacle. The conveyor station includes a conveyor controller of the conveyor station is configured with a sensor for detecting presence of a sweeper module. The sweeper module includes a container that holds debris collected when the sweeper module is connected to a robot module. The debris is configured to be emptied from said sweeper module directly onto said receiving region of the conveyor belt.