Asynchronous Dual-Hook Mechanism for Bidirectional Container Picking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current robot picking mechanisms in warehouse logistics have complex structures, are heavy, and costly, leading to reduced warehouse efficiency and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A hook mechanism with a carrier, driving component, and two hook pieces that move asynchronously, allowing for simplified structure and reduced weight by enabling independent control of each hook piece for picking and placing in different directions, and a telescopic mechanism that simplifies the driving structure and reduces weight and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical hand with multiple joints and transmission mechanisms is used for picking and placing, then the robot can complete container picking and placing operations, but the structure becomes complex and weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicking and placing capabilityVSAvoidmechanical hand structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical hand is divided into multiple independent joints (first joint, second joint, third joint) that can move independently. Each joint has its own drive unit, allowing selective activation of only the necessary joints for each picking and placing task, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical hand is designed with multiple joints and transmission mechanisms that can perform multiple functions: picking containers from racks, placing containers on conveyors, and adapting to different container positions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for different operations, reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical hand with multiple drive units is used for picking and placing, then the robot can operate in multiple directions, but the weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-directional operationVSAvoidmechanical hand weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical hand employs dynamic joint configurations where the first joint rotates about a vertical axis, the second joint rotates about a horizontal axis, and the third joint provides linear extension. This dynamic multi-axis configuration enables the hand to reach containers in various positions and orientations without requiring a heavy static structure, achieving multi-directional operation with reduced weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple transmission mechanisms (first transmission mechanism, second transmission mechanism, third transmission mechanism) are merged into a single integrated mechanical hand structure. The drive units are combined to control all joints through a unified system, reducing overall weight compared to having separate mechanisms for each function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex picking mechanism is used on the robot, then the robot can pick and place containers, but the costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer handling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The picking mechanism is segmented into modular components: carrier, housing, multiple independent joints with separate transmission mechanisms, and individual drive units. This modularity allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining full container handling capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The use of dynamic multi-joint mechanisms with independent drive units allows the system to adapt to various container positions and orientations. This dynamic design replaces the need for multiple fixed mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4667387A1Hook mechanism and picking and placing device
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 HAI ROBOTICS CO LTD
  • EP4667387A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4667387A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4667387A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a hook mechanism and a picking and placing device, and relates to the field of warehouse logistics technologies. The hook mechanism is used for picking and placing a container. The hook mechanism includes a carrier, a driving component, and two hook pieces. The driving component is disposed on the carrier. The two hook pieces are disposed at an interval along a first direction. The driving component is configured to drive at least two hook pieces to be respectively raised or lowered relative to the carrier, so that one drive can control two different hook pieces separately to pick and place the container in different directions, thereby simplifying a structure of the hook mechanism.