Flexible Finger Gripper for Adaptive Package Stacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for loading containers with packages are inefficient and costly due to the need for manual handling and the challenge of accommodating packages with varying dimensions, leading to irregular stacks that do not maximize container volume.
Innovation Solution
The use of hand elements with flexible finger elements that employ the Fin Ray effect to grip and stack packages, allowing for adjustable curvature to fit different package sizes and shapes, reducing manual labor and optimizing container space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual loading by people is used to take packages from a telescopic belt conveyor and stack them in the container, then flexibility in handling packages of different sizes is improved, but productivity is reduced and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The finger elements are designed to automatically adapt to packages of different sizes through self-adjusting curvature, eliminating the need for manual intervention to handle varying package dimensions while maintaining high loading speed
Solution Approach 2:
The finger elements change their curvature parameter dynamically to match different package sizes and shapes, allowing the system to handle diverse packages automatically without reducing productivity
2Productivity
If packages are stacked irregularly to minimize loading time, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision of the stack arrangement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses sensors to detect package dimensions and stack arrangement in real-time, providing feedback to the control unit which adjusts finger element positioning and curvature to maintain precise stacking while preserving high loading speed
Solution Approach 2:
The stack arrangement is dynamically optimized based on real-time package characteristics and container fill status, allowing the system to achieve both high productivity and precise stacking through continuous adaptation
3Strength
If finger elements are made rigid for structural strength, then strength is improved, but adaptability to different package sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The finger element is segmented into multiple rigid sections connected by flexible joints, allowing each section to maintain structural strength while the overall finger element can curve to accommodate different package sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The finger elements are designed with curved geometries and flexible joints that allow them to bend and adapt to various package shapes while maintaining sufficient structural strength through the curved design
4Productivity
If multiple hand elements are used to load packages simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hand elements are designed with identical modular structures and control mechanisms, allowing them to perform the same function simultaneously. This modular approach increases productivity while keeping individual element complexity manageable through standardization
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 method enables effective and efficient loading of containers by allowing packages to be stacked evenly and securely, maximizing container volume and reducing the risk of damage, while minimizing manual handling and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The finger elements of the hand elements each have at least two flexible flank elements extending together from one end of the finger element to the opposite end of the finger element. The flexible flank elements of each finger element are flexibly connected to one another via a plurality of webs so that the finger elements have the necessary flexibility to be able to be adjusted from at least one curved position to at least one extended position and back again.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Described and illustrated is a method for loading a container (20), in particular a box body, swap body or roll container, with packages (21), with a guide device (26) comprising at least one guide (29,30,32). To enable more effective and efficient loading of the containers with packages, it is provided that at least one hand element (34, 41), preferably movable in the longitudinal direction of the guide (29, 30, 32), is provided on the at least one guide device (26), that the hand element (34, 41) has a plurality of finger elements (35, 47), that the finger elements (35, 47) each have at least two flexible flank elements (2, 3) extending together from one end of the finger element (35, 47) to the opposite end of the finger element (35, 47), that the at least two flexible flank elements (2, 3) of the finger elements (35, 47) are flexibly connected to each other via a plurality of webs (6).so that the finger elements (35, 47) can each be adjusted from at least one curved position to at least one extended position and back, that the at least one hand element (34, 41) successively takes over packages (21), that the at least one hand element (34, 41) successively places the taken-over packages (21) in the container (20) in the form of a stack (39) of packages (21), and that the at least one hand element (34, 41) is moved along the at least one guide (29, 30, 32) at least between the placement of two successive packages (21).