Handling Table Manipulator with Optical Detection for Error Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for handling and grouping piece goods using robots often result in erroneous positionings, which are only identified late in the layer formation process, requiring manual intervention for correction.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable manipulator and optical detection system that allows for early automated error identification and correction, enabling the manipulator to move between normal and required positions to rectify positioning errors independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a robot manipulator is used for piece goods handling and grouping, then automation extent is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to erroneous positioning of piece goods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of piece goods handlingVSAvoidpositioning precision of piece goods
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing an optical detection device that monitors piece goods positioning errors as they occur during the manipulation process, rather than detecting them later. This early detection enables the control unit to immediately initiate corrective actions by moving the manipulator to a different working region, preventing erroneous positioning from propagating through the layer formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by creating a closed-loop control system where the optical detection device continuously monitors the position of piece goods, compares actual positions with target positions, and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the manipulator's actions in real-time based on this feedback, correcting positioning errors automatically without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If piece goods manipulation is monitored and errors corrected early, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional detection and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer formation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity with detection and control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the manipulator system to perform multiple functions: not only does it manipulate piece goods for grouping and layer formation, but it also serves as a mobile correction station that can be positioned to different working regions to rectify positioning errors. The optical detection device similarly serves dual purposes by both monitoring positioning and providing data for corrective actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically detect and correct its own positioning errors without external human intervention. The control unit autonomously processes detection data, determines appropriate corrective actions, and repositions the manipulator to correct errors, making the system self-correcting and reducing the need for manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the manipulator moves between different working regions to correct errors, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to manipulator repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror correction capabilityVSAvoidtime for manipulator repositioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having the optical detection device continuously monitor piece goods positioning during the manipulation process, so that errors are detected immediately when they occur rather than later in the process. This enables the manipulator to be repositioned to correct errors at the earliest possible moment, minimizing the time lost to corrections and preventing errors from affecting subsequent operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the manipulator repositionable to different working regions along the manipulation zone, allowing the system to dynamically adapt its working position based on where errors occur. The manipulator can move longitudinally to access different areas of the handling table, enabling flexible error correction while maintaining continuous operation flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 early automated error correction, reducing the need for manual intervention and increasing machine availability by allowing the device to identify and correct positioning errors before they cause significant issues, thus improving the efficiency of the layer formation process.

Implementation Method 1

at least one optical detection device for monitoring the piece goods manipulation in the manipulation zone and/or the collection zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical detection: Photography

Data Source

PatentUS20240367914A1Device and method for handling and/or grouping piece goods
Publication Date: 2024.11.07 KHS GMBH
  • US20240367914A1 patent drawing
  • US20240367914A1 patent drawing
  • US20240367914A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A device for handling and/or grouping piece goods having a handling table extending along a main axis with a manipulation zone and a collection zone disposed one behind the other along the main axis in a transport direction. A first manipulator manipulates the piece goods and is designed to be movable at least partly in the direction of the main axis with variable positions. The first manipulator is moved between at least one normal position and at least one required position differing from the normal position. The first manipulator has a base working region paired with the normal position for manipulating the piece goods in the manipulation zone and a required working region paired with the required position for manipulating the piece goods outside of the base working region. An optical detection device monitors the manipulation of the piece goods in the manipulation zone and/or collection zone.