Robotic Feeding Gripper Verification Using Container Weight Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing meal assistance technologies for users with uncomfortable limbs cannot effectively determine if food is appropriately provided without spilling, leading to inconvenience for both the user and helpers.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that includes a gripper to move food from a container, determine if the gripper reciprocates, calculate a weight difference value to confirm food delivery, and adjust accordingly to ensure proper food provision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a feeding arm automatically moves food to a user without hand movement, then the user can eat without directly moving their hand, but it is impossible to check whether the food is appropriately provided without spilling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a weight sensor to measure the weight of food in the container before and after the gripper operation. By calculating the weight difference, the system receives feedback on whether food was successfully transferred from the container to the user, enabling automatic verification of delivery accuracy without manual inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically measuring and comparing weight values to determine if food delivery was successful. The controller autonomously judges whether the gripper successfully provided food to the user based on the weight difference, eliminating the need for manual checking by the user or helper
2Ease of operation
If a feeding arm automatically moves food to a user, then the user does not need to move their hand, but the user or helper needs to confirm that the food is not provided appropriately
Solution Approach 1:
The weight sensor provides immediate feedback on food delivery status by measuring weight changes. The controller automatically compares the weight difference against expected values to determine success, eliminating the time-consuming manual confirmation process while maintaining ease of operation for the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual visual inspection mechanism with an automated weight measurement and comparison system. The controller substitutes human judgment with algorithmic evaluation of weight data, significantly reducing the time required to confirm successful food delivery
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 users with uncomfortable limbs to eat normally by ensuring accurate and efficient food delivery without spills, enhancing mealtime assistance.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor that measures a weight of the food in the container
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method of providing food to a user, the method including determining to provide first food among the food to the user; moving a first gripper to a container that contains the first food, determining whether the first gripper reciprocates in the container, calculating a weight difference value indicating an amount of change in a total weight of the food before and after the reciprocating in response to a determination that the first gripper reciprocates in the container, and determining that the first food is provided to the user based on the weight difference value. In addition, an apparatus for providing food to a user to perform the food providing method is provided. Also, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing programs to perform the food providing method is provided.