Multi-Mode Package Gripping for Faster Conveyance Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional conveyance apparatuses using suction mechanisms are inefficient in unloading packages due to the time required for suction and release operations, and struggle with packages of varying shapes and sizes, including those that cannot be grasped by suction mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance apparatus comprising a camera, a grip, an arm, and a processor that automatically determines the optimal grasping mode (frictional, suction, or back face grasping) based on image information and stored package data, allowing for efficient and versatile package handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a suction mechanism is used to grasp packages, then packages can be grasped and conveyed, but it takes time to operate the pump to suction and release the package
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism dynamically switches between multiple grasping modes (suction grasping, frictional grasping, and back face grasping) based on package characteristics. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to select the fastest effective grasping method for each package type, resolving the contradiction between reliable package grasping and operation speed by eliminating unnecessary suction cycles for packages better suited to alternative grasping methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the grasping parameter (grasping mode) based on package properties detected by the camera and processor. By analyzing package shape, size, and surface characteristics, the system selects from multiple grasping parameters (suction, friction, back face contact), optimizing the grasping method for each package to reduce overall operation time while maintaining secure handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a suction mechanism is used, then packages can be grasped, but packages with various shapes and sizes including those that cannot be grasped by suction mechanisms cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating suction pads, frictional contact surfaces, and back face contact capabilities in a single device. This universal design allows the same grip structure to handle diverse package types (rectangular boxes, cylindrical objects, envelopes, paper bags) by switching between different grasping modes, resolving the contradiction between versatility and handling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its grasping approach based on real-time package characteristics. The camera captures package images, the processor analyzes shape and surface properties, and the system selects the appropriate grasping mode (suction, friction, or back face), enabling efficient handling of varied package types without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grasping modes are implemented, then various package types can be handled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple grasping functions (suction, frictional contact, back face contact) are merged into a single integrated grip mechanism. The grip structure combines suction pads with frictional contact surfaces and back face contact elements, allowing all grasping modes to be executed by one device rather than requiring separate mechanisms, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single universal grip mechanism performs multiple grasping functions through mode switching. The same physical grip structure can operate in suction mode, frictional mode, or back face contact mode depending on package characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized grippers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
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 system enables faster and more efficient unloading of packages by automatically selecting the appropriate grasping mode, accommodating various package shapes and sizes, and reducing the time required for processing.
Implementation Method 1
a suction pad that grasps the package by suction
Implementation Method 2
The exterior of the suction pad is made of natural rubber which is highly elastic
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A
Figure 3B
AI summary
A conveyance apparatus includes a camera, a grip, an arm, a database, and a processor. The processor is configured to determine which grasping mode of frictional grasping, suction grasping and back face grasping should be selected from the image information photographed by the camera and the information in the database. The processor is configured to move the arm and the grip based on the determination, and take out the one or more packages from the placement portion by moving the arm and the grip while at least one of the one or more packages is grasped by the grip.