Modular Robot System for Container Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robot systems in container processing facilities are underutilized due to limitations in carrying capacity, range, tools, and positioning, leading to inefficient job performance.
Innovation Solution
A modular robot system with a mobile platform and robot units that can be selectively connected and positioned for specific jobs, allowing robot units to operate independently while the platform is used for other units, enhancing flexibility and utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robot systems are designed with fixed carrying capacity, range, and tools, then they can perform specific jobs reliably, but they are underutilized due to diverse job requirements and cannot be used to capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The robot system is divided into separate modular components: a mobile platform and interchangeable robot units. Each robot unit can be selectively attached to the mobile platform based on specific job requirements, allowing the system to adapt to diverse tasks while maintaining reliable performance for each specific job type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile platform is designed as a universal base that can carry multiple different robot units with varying carrying capacities, ranges, and tool configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single platform to perform diverse jobs across the container processing facility, improving overall system utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular robot kit with robot platform and robot working head is used, then flexibility in multitasking is improved, but the platform itself is not required when the job is being carried out and therefore is not used to capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static platform-robot configuration to a dynamic setup where the mobile platform can independently navigate to job locations and attach/detach robot units as needed. This dynamic operation allows the platform to be utilized for transportation and positioning even when robot units are performing jobs independently.
Solution Approach 2:
While one robot unit is performing a job, the mobile platform continuously performs useful actions by transporting other robot units to their designated locations or by repositioning itself. This eliminates idle time for the platform and maintains continuous productive operation throughout the system.
3Ease of operation
If a robot platform is used for positioning, then robot units can be transported to working areas, but the platform can lead to restrictions of the positioning of the working head relative to the container handling machine
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the transportation function (mobile platform) from the positioning function (robot unit with working head). The mobile platform delivers the robot unit to the general working area, while the robot unit independently handles precise positioning of the working head relative to the container handling machine, eliminating positioning restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot unit acts as an intermediary between the mobile platform and the container handling machine. It receives the platform for transportation to the working area, then independently manages the positioning of the working head, translating the platform's coarse positioning into precise positioning freedom for job execution.
Data Source
AI summary
Modular robot system for a container processing facility, comprising a mobile platform, which comprises a chassis that is supported on the floor for moving in a working area of the container processing facility, and comprising multiple robot units of different types for carrying out jobs of different types in the container processing facility, wherein the mobile platform and/or the robot units are designed such that the robot units can selectively be connected to the mobile platform in order to transport each robot unit in the container processing facility and position it for the respective job.