Dual-Arm Robot Suction End Effector for Cardboard Box Development
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packing technologies using single-arm robots with complex end effectors are inefficient and costly, as they require specialized mechanisms for developing and folding cardboard boxes, limiting the addition of other operational mechanisms and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A dual-arm robot system with simplified end effectors that use suction units to develop and move cardboard boxes three-dimensionally, eliminating the need for a folding mechanism and allowing for the integration of additional operational units like applying and holding units, thereby improving efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single-arm robot with a complex end effector is used to perform developing and folding operations, then the robot can complete packing tasks, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The packing device is divided into multiple independent arm units (first arm unit and second arm unit), each with its own end effector. The first arm unit performs developing operations while the second arm unit performs folding operations, allowing parallel execution of tasks and reducing the complexity of individual end effectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effectors are designed with universal functionality, incorporating both suction units for holding and simplified structures that can perform multiple operations. The end effector includes a suction unit for holding the packing material and can be configured for different operations without requiring completely different mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single-arm robot with specialized folding mechanism is used, then developing and folding can be performed, but additional operational mechanisms cannot be added and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple operations including developing, folding, and holding through the suction unit. This multi-functional design allows the same basic structure to be used for different packing tasks without adding complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration where the first arm unit and second arm unit can be assigned different operations based on packing requirements. The suction unit can dynamically adjust its function between holding, developing, and folding operations, providing adaptability without structural changes.
3Productivity
If multiple operations are performed sequentially by one robot, then task completion is achieved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing operations are segmented between multiple arm units working in parallel. The first arm unit simultaneously performs developing operations while the second arm unit simultaneously performs folding operations, reducing the total time required compared to sequential execution by a single robot.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple arm units operate continuously and simultaneously on different aspects of the packing material development and folding process, eliminating idle time between operations. The suction unit maintains continuous contact with the packing material throughout both developing and folding operations without interruption.
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
The dual-arm robot system enhances packing efficiency by performing developing, folding, and sealing operations simultaneously, reducing the complexity and cost of the end effectors and enabling flexible adaptation to different packing tasks without replacing the robot.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit that sucks an object
Data Source
AI summary
A packing device according to an embodiment includes a supply station, a right end effector, a left end effector, a right arm unit, a left arm unit, and a forming station. A cardboard box in a flat state is placed on the supply station. The cardboard box developed three-dimensionally is placed on the forming station. The right arm unit includes the right end effector provided with a suction unit. The left arm unit includes the left end effector provided with a suction unit. The packing device performs an operation of developing the cardboard box and an operation of moving the cardboard box to the forming station by using the right arm unit and the left arm unit while sucking both side surfaces of the cardboard box placed on the supply station by using the suction units.