Inclinable Suction Pad for Curved Package Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction holding devices face challenges in automating the transfer of packages with inclined or curved surfaces, and in handling packages of varying sizes, as they require longer devices that may contact the environment and increase transfer time.
Innovation Solution
The article holding system employs a fluid-controlled flat tube that expands and contracts to adjust to package surfaces, using a suction pad that can incline and adapt to inclined surfaces, and multiple devices can be used in parallel to handle packages of different sizes simultaneously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a general suction holding device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively hold packages with inclined or curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad is designed to be movable and inclinable relative to the hand, allowing it to dynamically adjust its angle and position to match the surface geometry of packages. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the suction pad to maintain effective contact with inclined or curved surfaces, resolving the contradiction between holding reliability and surface adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the suction pad by allowing it to vary its inclination angle and position. This parameter adjustment enables the suction pad to adapt to different package surface geometries, maintaining effective suction contact across varied surfaces without requiring a completely different device structure.
2Length of moving object
If a long suction holding device is used to reach into tall baskets, then the device can access deep locations, but it may contact the ambient environment and increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad can be retracted into the hand when not in use, creating a nested configuration where the suction pad is housed within the hand structure. This nesting principle allows the system to achieve the necessary extended length for accessing tall baskets while maintaining a compact form factor when retracted, thereby reducing overall device complexity and avoiding environmental contact issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction holding device employs a telescopic or extendable structure that allows it to dynamically adjust its length. The device can extend to reach into tall baskets when needed, then retract to a shorter configuration when not in use, avoiding contact with the ambient environment and reducing structural complexity compared to a permanently long device.
3Productivity
If multiple suction pads are provided in parallel to handle packages of different sizes, then the handling capacity increases, but the transfer working time becomes long due to coordination difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple suction pads are integrated into a single unified hand structure with a common control system. This merging approach allows the suction pads to operate as a coordinated unit rather than independent devices, enabling simultaneous control that reduces transfer working time while maintaining the increased handling capacity for packages of different sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand with multiple suction pads is designed as a universal handling device that can adapt to packages of various sizes through a single coordinated action. The suction pads work together in unison under unified control, providing multi-size handling capability without the time loss associated with coordinating multiple independent devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the suction pad is fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to packages with varying upper surface heights
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad is designed with movable joints that allow it to dynamically adjust its position and angle relative to the hand. This dynamic capability enables the suction pad to adapt to packages with varying upper surface heights by changing its orientation and location, providing size adaptability without requiring a completely complex multi-component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the positional parameters of the suction pad by allowing it to move and incline relative to the hand. This parameter change capability enables adaptation to different package sizes and surface heights while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled mobility rather than complex mechanical assemblies.
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 reliable and efficient transfer of packages with inclined or curved surfaces, reduces transfer time, and allows for compact device configuration, improving reliability and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a suction holding device which sucks a package by making a suction pad in contact with an upper surface of the package
Data Source
AI summary
An article holding system according to an embodiment is an article holding system which is provided with a fixed portion, a movable portion, a hollow member located between the fixed portion and the movable portion, a drawing portion to draw in the hollow member, and a fluid control device to supply fluid to an inside of the hollow member, wherein the hollow member deforms in a state that the fluid is supplied by the fluid control device, and the hollow member is drawn out from the drawing portion, to change a distance between the fixed portion and the movable portion.