Dual-Surface Suction Hand Control for Stable Article Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer apparatuses face inefficiencies in work efficiency due to unstable transfer of multiple articles, especially when articles of varying sizes or irregular arrangements are handled, leading to potential damage and reduced operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus equipped with a suction hand that can suction both upper and side surfaces of articles, allowing for stable transfer by switching between different operations based on the placement state of articles, using multiple suction units to adapt to various article configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single suction unit is used to transfer articles, then the device complexity is reduced, but the transfer stability deteriorates when handling articles of varying sizes or irregular arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hand is divided into multiple suction units (first suction unit with first suction portions and second suction unit with second suction portions) that can independently contact different surfaces of articles. This segmentation allows each suction unit to handle specific articles or surfaces, providing stable transfer even when articles vary in size or arrangement, while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction hand is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both first operation (simultaneous suction of multiple first surfaces by first suction portions) and second operation (simultaneous suction of multiple second surfaces by second suction portions). This universality allows the same device to adapt to different article configurations and transfer requirements, improving transfer stability without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If multiple suction units are used to handle various article configurations, then the transfer stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hand incorporates movable components that enable dynamic adjustment between different operational modes. The first suction unit and second suction unit can be positioned and activated based on the detected placement state of articles, allowing the device to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than requiring fixed complex structures for all possible scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a detector to identify the placement state of articles and provides feedback to the controller, which then selects the appropriate operation (first or second operation) and activates the corresponding suction portions. This feedback mechanism allows the complex multi-unit suction system to operate efficiently by activating only the necessary suction portions based on real-time conditions, effectively managing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different operations are used for different article placements, then the adaptability is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the placement state of articles using the detector and autonomously selects the appropriate operation (first or second operation) without requiring manual intervention. The controller self-manages the switching between operations based on detected conditions, improving adaptability while keeping the control system relatively simple through automated decision-making rather than complex manual control mechanisms.
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 stable transfer of multiple articles regardless of size or arrangement, reducing the risk of damage and improving operational reliability by adapting suction operations based on real-time detection data.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction unit including a plurality of first suction portions configured to contact with a first surface of an article, and a second suction unit including a plurality of second suction portions configured to contact with a second surface of the article
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a transfer apparatus (100) includes a suction hand (1), a moving device (130), a first detector (121), and a controller (25). The suction hand includes a first and second suction units. The first and second suction units are configured to contact with an article in a first direction (Z) and a second direction (X), respectively. the first suction unit (16) and the second suction unit (22) each are provided multiply in a third direction (Y). The controller performs at least a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation, the first suction units respectively suction first surfaces of the articles, the second suction units respectively suction second surfaces of the articles, and the articles are moved. In the second operation, one of the first suction units suctions the first surface of one of the articles, the second suction units do not suction the articles, and the one of the articles is moved.