Mobile Robotic Lift Arm for Safe Teleoperated Heavy Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for lifting and transporting heavy or bulky objects are often inefficient, unsafe, and costly, particularly in environments where manual labor is prevalent due to limited or ineffective assistance systems, leading to physical strain and injuries among logistics personnel.
Innovation Solution
A teleoperated robotic system comprising master control arms and slave arms, with a mobile platform for intuitive operation, that mimics human arm movements to perform lifting and maneuvering tasks, equipped with position sensors, load sensors, and actuators for force reflection and gravity compensation, allowing for precise control and reduced physical effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual lifting and transporting methods are used, then no complex equipment is required, but personnel safety deteriorates and physical injuries increase
Solution Approach 1:
A robotic arm system serves as an intermediary between personnel and heavy objects. The robotic arm with gripper performs the actual lifting and transporting tasks, while personnel only provide remote control inputs. This intermediary device eliminates direct physical contact between personnel and heavy loads, preventing injuries while maintaining operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical lifting with an automated robotic mechanical system. The robotic arm, powered by actuators and controlled by a microprocessor, substitutes human physical effort. The system includes sensors, wireless communication modules, and automated control algorithms that replace manual coordination and physical strain.
2Productivity
If heavy objects are lifted manually, then equipment cost is reduced, but operational efficiency deteriorates and physical burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system performs lifting and transporting operations autonomously once programmed. The microprocessor-controlled system automatically plans paths, adjusts gripper force, and executes movements without continuous human intervention. The system serves itself by making independent decisions about how to manipulate objects, improving operational efficiency while reducing the need for complex manual coordination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If limited functionality assistance systems are used, then system complexity is reduced, but lifting capability deteriorates making the systems impractical or ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm system is designed with universal applicability to handle various object types and lifting scenarios. The gripper can be adjusted to accommodate different object shapes and sizes, the robotic arm can reach multiple positions, and the wireless control system can operate in diverse environments. This multi-functionality makes the system practical for general logistics operations without requiring specialized equipment for each task.
Data Source
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AI summary
A teleoperated robotic system comprises: a robotic arm (1880) having a plurality of support members coupled together about one or more joints to form one or more degrees of freedom; a mobile platform (1810) maneuverable about a ground surface and within an operating environment, the mobile platform (1810) being configured to provide onboard support of the robotic arm (1880) about the mobile platform (1810) to provide a mobile teleoperation function; and a lifting device (1910, 1920,1950, 1960) coupled to the mobile platform (1810) and comprising an arm (1920) configured to raise and lower relative to the mobile platform (1810); wherein the lifting device (1910, 1920, 1950, 1960) is configured to perform lifting in conjunction with operation of the robotic arm (1880) to facilitate interaction with a load by both the lifting device (1910, 1920, 1950, 1960) and the robotic arm (1880).