Mobile Sorting System With Motorized Actuating Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sorting systems for courier services require manual loading and unloading of items between courier vehicles and storage facilities, which is inefficient and lacks automation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile sorting system comprising a multi-component system with motorized actuating assemblies and end effectors that can autonomously prehend and translate storage housings and containers between facilities and vehicles, using impactive and astrictive prehension elements to facilitate automated transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading and unloading is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the transfer operation into distinct functional modules: mobile platform, motorized actuating assemblies, end effectors with prehension elements, and storage housings. Each module performs a specific function, allowing independent optimization and maintenance while achieving automated high-speed transfer of courier items.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the mobile platform autonomously performs loading and unloading operations without human intervention. The motorized actuating assemblies automatically position and transfer storage housings and containers, eliminating the need for manual labor and significantly improving productivity.
2Productivity
If automated transfer is implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The end effectors are designed with multiple types of prehension elements (impactive and astrictive) that can handle various container types and sizes. The motorized actuating assemblies can perform multiple functions including gripping, positioning, and transferring different storage housings, reducing the need for specialized equipment for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
Storage housings serve as intermediary containers that standardize the transfer process. They provide a uniform interface between the end effectors and the containers, simplifying the mechanical interaction while enabling automated high-speed operation. The housings act as mediators that decouple the complexity of container handling from the transfer mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If motorized actuating assemblies are used, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical operations with motorized actuating assemblies that provide automated control. Electric or hydraulic motors drive the actuating mechanisms, replacing hand-powered or foot-powered mechanical systems. This substitution increases automation and ease of operation while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable.
4Productivity
If prehension elements are used for autonomous operation, then productivity is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates redundant prehension elements and backup actuating mechanisms to cushion against potential failures. If one prehension element or actuator fails, the system can switch to alternative components, maintaining operational reliability. The modular architecture allows isolated failure of individual components without compromising the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments conveyed herein seek to disclose a mobile sorting system. The system can include a mobile platform having one or more storage housings. The mobile sorting system can include a mobile platform having a storage area(s) and first and second motorized actuating assemblies. The second motorized actuating assembly can be positioned proximate to the first motorized actuating assembly. The storage areas includes a storage housing(s). The first and second motorized actuating assemblies each include end effectors that can prehend storage housings and containers, respectively. The first and second motorized actuating assemblies each include prehension elements. Each motorized actuating assembly has a firsts mode to prehend object using the end effectors, a second mode to translate the object, and a third mode to release the object.