Modular Robotic Conveyor Interfaces for Safe Line Reconfiguration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Robotic production lines require frequent reconfiguration due to dynamic market demands, leading to substantial financial outlays, resource waste, and safety risks, as existing systems lack flexibility and configurability.

Innovation Solution

A modular conveyor system comprising conveyor, robot, and power modules with interchangeable interfaces that allow secure, flexible reconfiguration without recertification, featuring magnetic attachment, resilient alignment, and contactless power supply, enabling quick adaptation to various production layouts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional robotic production lines are reconfigured to meet dynamic market demands, then adaptability improves, but financial cost and resource waste increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidresource waste

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The production line is divided into discrete, interchangeable modules (conveyor modules, robot modules, power modules) that can be independently reconfigured. Each module has standardized interfaces allowing them to be separated and reassembled in different configurations without wasting entire production line components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The standardized interfaces and modular design enable the same modules to serve multiple functions and be used in various configurations. A single module can be reused across different production line setups, reducing the need to discard or store specialized equipment when reconfiguring for different market demands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional robotic production lines are reconfigured, then adaptability improves, but safety risks and unplanned stoppages increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Safety features and interface protocols are pre-designed and standardized into the modular components before reconfiguration occurs. The standardized interfaces include built-in safety mechanisms that automatically ensure safe operation when modules are connected, eliminating the need for time-consuming safety recertification during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional robotic production lines are reconfigured, then adaptability improves, but financial cost increases due to new machinery replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidfinancial cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The modular design with standardized interfaces enables old modules to be easily disconnected, recovered, and reused in new configurations. This prevents the need to purchase entirely new machinery when reconfiguring production lines, as existing modules can be retained and redeployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of operation

If modular interfaces are designed for easy reconfiguration, then adaptability and ease of operation improve, but connection reliability and power supply stability may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of reconfigurationVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Magnetic attachment means are used instead of traditional mechanical fasteners to connect modules. The magnetic connection provides both ease of assembly (simple attachment without tools) and high connection reliability (strong holding force that ensures stable electrical and mechanical connections).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 modular system provides cost-effective, safe, and efficient reconfiguration of production lines, reducing resource waste and safety risks while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Implementation Method 1

the attachment means comprise magnetic attachment means. The magnetic attachment provides secure attachment two interfaces, and correspondingly two modules, to each other.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attachment: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS20260109546A1A modular system of configurable devices for adjustable robotic production lines

Publication Date: 2026.04.23 FLEXLINK

AI summary

A modular conveyor system (100) comprising a plurality of conveyor system modules (110, 120, 130). The plurality of modules being at least: a conveyor module (120) provided with a conveyor (121) configured to convey objects, a robot module (110) comprising a robot arm (111) provided with a head (112) configured to interact with objects at least on the conveyor (121), and a power module (130) provided with a power inlet and one or more power outlets, the power module being configured to supply power to the conveyor module (120) and the robot module (110). Each module (110, 120, 130) comprises an interface (140) adapted to releasably interconnect with a corresponding interface on another module. The interface comprises an electric connection arrangement (510) configured to electrically connect two interconnected modules (110, 120, 130), and attachment means configured to releasably attach two interconnected modules (110, 120, 130).