Wireless Cylinder Light Tagging for Robotic Picking Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for remotely monitoring pressurized gas cylinders are complex and not suitable for retrofitting, and they lack precision in locating specific cylinders within a defined area, making it difficult to automate the picking process, especially when cylinders of different sizes or fillings are mixed on a pallet.
Innovation Solution
A system equipped with an electronic communication unit, light source, and control unit that enables wireless data connection, allowing for precise location and identification of compressed gas cylinders through light signals, using a database and evaluation program to filter and display relevant information, and an IOT gateway for communication, facilitating automation in transport systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation-based systems are used to determine the position of compressed gas cylinders, then the system can provide location information, but the precision is too low to locate a specific cylinder on a pallet within a group of cylinders with sufficient accuracy for robotic picking
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function by separating the illumination function (light sources on cylinders) from the detection function (cameras on robotic system). This allows each component to be optimized independently - light sources provide precise visual markers while cameras provide accurate position detection, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light sources as an intermediary element between the compressed gas cylinders and the detection system. These light sources act as visual markers that significantly enhance the detectability and positioning precision of cylinders without requiring complex triangulation calculations, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the system relatively simple.
2Reliability
If existing digital monitoring systems are implemented, then remote monitoring capability is provided, but the systems are too complex and not suitable for retrofitting existing cylinders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential illumination function from complex digital monitoring systems. By using simple light sources attached to cylinders that can be controlled remotely, the system maintains remote monitoring capability while eliminating unnecessary complexity, making it suitable for retrofitting existing cylinders.
Solution Approach 2:
The light sources are attached directly to the cylinders themselves, making the cylinders self-indicating objects. This eliminates the need for separate monitoring infrastructure and complex integration, allowing easy retrofitting while maintaining reliable remote monitoring capability through the communication unit and control system.
3Productivity
If automated transport systems are used to pick up compressed gas cylinders, then picking efficiency is improved, but precise location determination of specific cylinders is required which existing systems cannot provide
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light sources that can emit different colors or patterns to indicate specific cylinder characteristics or states. This visual coding system enables the robotic system to quickly identify and locate specific cylinders among groups based on their light signals, providing the precise location information needed for efficient automated picking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary illumination setup by equipping cylinders with light sources before the picking operation. This allows the robotic system to detect and locate cylinders in advance, plan the picking sequence, and execute automated picking efficiently without time-consuming manual identification during the actual picking process.
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 precise location and identification of compressed gas cylinders, improving the efficiency of automated picking and monitoring, suitable for existing systems with easy installation and minimal intervention in safety-relevant parts, enhancing operational safety and economy.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is equipped with a light source (12, 13)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A compressed gas cylinder or an array of compressed gas cylinders, such as a cylinder bundle, is equipped with an electronic communication unit and light sources. The communication unit maintains a wireless data connection with a control unit, which can send signals to the communication unit to control the light sources. The light signals from the light sources can be used to detect properties of the compressed gas cylinder array, in particular to determine its precise position.