Foldable Robotic Enclosure for Relocatable Production Line Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic arm systems for product handling are not easily movable along production lines due to the permanent fixation of enclosures, which wastes time and limits their regular relocation.
Innovation Solution
A foldable movable device with a structure comprising a base, framework, and panels, where the panels can be articulated from a folded to a deployed configuration, allowing the device to be quickly set up, moved, and stored, while maintaining a safe working area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the enclosure is permanently fixed to the floor, then operator safety is ensured, but the device cannot be easily relocated along the production line
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple detachable panels rather than a single fixed structure. Each panel can be independently removed and repositioned, allowing the enclosure to be relocated along the production line while maintaining safety boundaries when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The panels can be assembled to create enclosed spaces when needed and disassembled or repositioned when relocation is required, providing adaptability while maintaining safety functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure is made movable and foldable, then relocatability is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is segmented into standardized panels that can be independently handled and assembled. This modular approach simplifies the complexity by breaking down a complex foldable structure into manageable, interchangeable components that are easier to manipulate and store.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure structure is extracted from the floor fixation system, removing the permanent attachment requirement. This allows the enclosure to be freely positioned and repositioned without being constrained to specific floor locations, enhancing relocatability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the enclosure is permanently fixed, then stability is maintained, but setup and teardown time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-designed with connection features that enable quick assembly and disassembly. The standardized interfaces and modular structure allow operators to rapidly configure the enclosure when needed without extensive setup time, while maintaining stability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure system dynamically adapts between assembled and disassembled states. When assembled, it provides stable enclosed spaces for safe operation. When disassembled, it allows for rapid relocation, eliminating the time loss associated with permanent fixation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a foldable movable device for the treatment of products. The device includes a structure having a base, a framework and panels, where the framework is upwardly fixed to the base and the panels being mounted to the framework. The device further includes an automation, fixed to the structure, that comprises a robotic arm and a tool, fixed at the robotic arm, that is suitable for gripping the products. The panels are articulately mounted on the framework, in order to be moved from a folded configuration of the device to a deployed configuration, and reversely.