Inclined Passage Article Supply with Visual Sensor Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing article supply apparatuses face challenges in efficiently and accurately picking up and supplying articles to predetermined destinations, particularly in terms of space efficiency and article handling range, as they often require extensive space and may damage articles due to prolonged vibration and inefficient picking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An article supply apparatus featuring an inclined passage with a vibration imparting device, a visual sensor for image capture and position identification, and a robot arm that picks up articles one by one based on visual sensor information, allowing for precise and efficient supply to predetermined destinations while minimizing space usage and reducing article damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If articles are supplied using conventional horizontal passage apparatus, then articles can be transported, but the apparatus occupies extensive space and reduces handling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional horizontal passage configuration to an inclined passage configuration, utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint of the apparatus. The inclined passage allows articles to move downward under gravity while occupying less floor space, thereby resolving the contradiction between compactness and supply efficiency.
2Speed
If vibration is applied to move articles in conventional apparatus, then articles can be transported, but prolonged vibration damages articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vibration imparting device that applies vibration to the inclined passage to facilitate article movement. The vibration is controlled to be sufficient for transport but limited in duration and intensity to prevent article damage, resolving the contradiction between transport speed and article integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration is applied periodically rather than continuously, allowing articles to move during vibration phases and settle during non-vibration phases. This periodic action reduces cumulative vibration exposure and minimizes article damage while maintaining transport efficiency.
3Productivity
If robot arms pick up articles from conventional apparatus, then articles can be supplied to destinations, but the picking mechanism is inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The inclined passage configuration with vibration preprocessing positions articles optimally before the robot arm arrives, reducing the time required for the robot arm to locate and pick up articles. This preliminary positioning action improves picking efficiency and reduces overall supply time.
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
The apparatus effectively reduces space occupancy, broadens the range of articles that can be handled by a single set of robot arms, and enhances supply efficiency by precise picking and reduced vibration time, enabling the handling of multiple article types in a compact setup.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration imparting device which imparts vibration to the inclined passage
Implementation Method 2
a visual sensor which conducts an image capture of the plurality of articles on the inclined passage
Data Source
AI summary
An article supply apparatus includes an inclined passage which inclines downwardly toward a predetermined direction, a vibration imparting device which vibrates the inclined passage, an article feeding device which feeds a plurality of articles to the upper end side of the inclined passage, a visual sensor which captures images of the articles on the inclined passage and which obtains information for identification of at least a position of each of the articles on the inclined passage, and a robot arm which picks up the articles one by one from the inclined passage by using the information obtained by the visual sensor and which supplies the picked-up articles to a predetermined supply destination.