Modular Workpiece Removal Cell for Flexible Bin Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for automated removal of workpieces from containers are costly and time-consuming to design, manufacture, and assemble, as they are typically customized for specific applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular device composed of a handling module with gripper kinematics and a feed module that includes an object recognition system, allowing for interchangeable modules and simplified assembly, enabling the same handling module to be adapted with different feed and output modules to meet specific functional requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If devices are customized individually for each specific application, then the device can take into account very special circumstances, but the costs and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a handling module with gripper and robot, a feed module with container arrangement, and an output module with workpiece storage. Each module can be independently configured, manufactured, and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability through modular combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The handling module is designed as a universal component that can be equipped with different feed modules and output modules depending on the specific application requirements. This allows the same core handling module to serve multiple functions across different applications, reducing customization costs while adapting to special circumstances.
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices are customized individually for each specific application, then the device can take into account very special circumstances, but the manufacturing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into standardized modules, each module can be manufactured independently and in parallel. The handling module, feed module, and output module can be produced separately and then assembled, dramatically reducing total manufacturing time compared to building custom integrated devices for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components can be pre-manufactured, pre-tested, and pre-assembled into sub-systems before final integration. This preliminary preparation allows for efficient final assembly and reduces on-site manufacturing time, enabling rapid deployment while maintaining application-specific adaptability.
3Ease of manufacture
If the device is constructed modularly from handling module and feed module, then construction and assembly are simplified, but integration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a handling module with gripper and robot, a feed module with container arrangement, and an output module with workpiece storage. Each module can be independently configured, manufactured, and assembled, reducing overall complexity while maintaining adaptability through modular combinations.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for the automated removal of workpieces arranged in a container, comprising an object recognition device for detecting the workpieces and a gripper for grasping and removing the workpieces from the container, and a control system for evaluating the data from the object recognition device, for path planning, and for controlling the gripper. The device is modularly constructed from a handling module and a feeding module, wherein the handling module comprises the gripper kinematics, in particular a robot or a gantry, and the feeding module comprises an arrangement for providing a container with workpieces.