Fine Manipulator Device for Order Picking Robot Package Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous order-picking robots face challenges in packing packages stably on load-carrying devices, leading to inefficiencies in packing density, stability, and increased requirements for load-carrying devices, which affects movement speed and handling capacity within warehouses.

Innovation Solution

A mobile order-picking robot equipped with a fine manipulator device featuring sliding and suction mechanisms allows for precise adjustment and alignment of packages on the load-carrying device, eliminating gaps caused by storage or construction, thereby enhancing packing stability and density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If packages are placed on the load-carrying device using conventional methods, then the picking process can proceed, but gaps arise between individual packages leading to reduced stability and packing density

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of package arrangementVSAvoidpacking density
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The fine positioning device enables packages to self-adjust to optimal positions through automated sliding movements, eliminating gaps and achieving compact packing without manual intervention. The device allows packages to be automatically pushed into correct positions based on the predetermined packing pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the positional parameters of packages by using the fine positioning device to slide packages along the load-carrying device. This adjusts the position, orientation, and spacing of packages to eliminate gaps and achieve the desired packing density and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If more load-carrying devices are used to compensate for instability, then package stability can be maintained, but the number of devices increases leading to reduced efficiency and higher costs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage stabilityVSAvoidhandling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the problematic gaps between packages using the fine positioning device. By removing these gaps through automated sliding adjustments, the system achieves stable package arrangements without needing additional load-carrying devices, thereby maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If the picking robot travels at higher speeds, then productivity increases, but package stability deteriorates due to movement and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepicking speedVSAvoidpackage stability during movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The fine positioning device performs preliminary positioning of packages before the picking robot begins high-speed travel. By pre-adjusting package positions and eliminating gaps beforehand, the system ensures package stability is maintained even during high-speed movement and vibration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If manual adjustment of packages is performed to eliminate gaps, then packing stability improves, but setup time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking stabilityVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated fine positioning device that uses sliding mechanisms actuated by motors or other drive systems. This substitution eliminates the need for manual intervention while achieving the same gap-elimination effect, thereby reducing setup time and operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

This solution enables more efficient packing, reducing the need for multiple load-carrying devices, increasing travel and cornering speeds, and improving handling capacity by stabilizing packages during movement, thus optimizing the picking process and reducing setup times.

Implementation Method 1

The sliding device comprises an actuator that is implemented hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, or according to a technology known from the prior art. The sliding device allows packages to be pushed onto a counter-bearing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The sliding device allows packages to be pushed onto a counter-bearing, which is designed, for example, as an opposite, fixed wall of the picking robot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3434627B1Mobile order picking robot and method for operating a mobile order picking robot
Publication Date: 2024.05.29 LINDE MATERIAL HANDLING GMBH
  • EP3434627B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP3434627B1 patent drawingFigure 8~13

AI summary

The invention relates to a mobile order picking robot (1) with an autonomous drive system (2), a controller (3), a load handling manipulator (4), a load carrier (5) for handling a package (8), wherein the load carrier (5) is arranged on the load handling manipulator (4), and a receiving device (6) for a load carrier (7) for stacking individual packages (8) that can be removed from a storage area (9) from various source pallets. A fine manipulator device (11) is provided on the order picking robot (1) for fine-tuning the position of individual packages (8) on the load carrier (7) after placement by means of the load handling manipulator (4).