Gripping Assembly Position Sensing for Obstruction Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing load-handling devices struggle to accurately determine the vertical position and detect obstructions of the container-gripping assembly during raising and lowering operations, which can lead to inefficiencies and potential damage to the system.

Innovation Solution

A lifting assembly equipped with sensors, such as rotary encoders and ToF sensors, to monitor the movement of the gripping assembly and detect obstructions, ensuring accurate determination of vertical position and preventing malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a sensor is added to detect movement of the gripping assembly, then measurement precision of vertical position is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevertical position measurementVSAvoidsensor and control system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects the actual vertical position of the gripping assembly and provides this information to the controller. The controller compares the actual position with the expected position and adjusts the motor operation accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves measurement precision through continuous monitoring and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with electronic sensing technology. Instead of using mechanical linkages or physical gauges to measure vertical position, the system employs an electronic sensor (such as a displacement sensor, encoder, or position sensor) that provides more precise and reliable measurements, thereby improving measurement precision while accepting the trade-off of increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the gripping assembly moves faster, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of obstruction and positioning errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontainer retrieval speedVSAvoidobstruction detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor provides real-time feedback on the gripping assembly's position and movement status to the controller. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect obstructions or abnormal conditions even during high-speed operation, enabling the controller to adjust speed or stop immediately when necessary, thus maintaining reliability while achieving high productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor detects potential obstructions or positioning issues before they cause damage or system failure. By providing early warning signals, the system can take preliminary corrective action, such as reducing speed or adjusting position, preventing the obstruction from becoming a serious problem and maintaining both speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the accuracy of vertical position control and obstruction detection, preventing damage and improving the efficiency of load-handling operations.

Implementation Method 1

The sensor may comprise a time of flight (ToF) sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 2

the sensor comprises a rotary encoder configured to engage with the electrical cable spool to detect the extent to which the electrical cable spool has rotated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical encoding:

Data Source

PatentUS20260035179A1Method and system for determining depth or obstruction of a gripping assembly

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 OCADO INNOVATION LI MITED

AI summary

A method and system for determining depth or obstruction of a container-gripping assembly is disclosed. The method and system use a sensor to determine the depth or obstruction of a container-gripping assembly.