Multi-Robot Parcel Transfer Layout for Singulated Conveyor Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to efficiently and reliably convert a bulk supply of unstructured products into a structured, singulated stream for sorting, particularly when dealing with diverse products like parcels with varying dimensions, shapes, and weights, while minimizing errors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a bulk supply conveyor, discharge conveyor, transfer robots, and a transfer station, where transfer robots select and transfer products based on predetermined criteria, with manual intervention at the transfer station for non-transferred items, and branch devices to distribute products to multiple transfer robots, ensuring efficient and error-minimized processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If transfer robots are used to automatically transfer products from bulk supply conveyor to discharge conveyor, then productivity and automation extent are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to error sensitivity with diverse product characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the product stream by using multiple transfer robots (first, second, and third transfer robots) positioned at different locations along the bulk supply conveyor. Each robot handles specific products based on their characteristics, dividing the complex transfer task into manageable segments that reduce error sensitivity while maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge conveyor serves as an intermediary element that receives products from multiple transfer robots. This intermediary structure allows products to be transferred from different locations and consolidated into a single structured stream, improving both productivity and reliability by distributing the transfer load across multiple points
2Productivity
If multiple transfer robots are positioned successively along the bulk supply conveyor, then productivity is improved through parallel processing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transfer robots are designed with identical or similar structures and functions, each capable of transferring products from the bulk supply conveyor to the discharge conveyor. This universal design allows parallel processing to improve productivity while keeping individual robot complexity low and maintenance straightforward
Solution Approach 2:
The system arranges transfer robots in the spatial dimension along the bulk supply conveyor rather than stacking them vertically or complexly. This linear spatial arrangement allows parallel processing to occur naturally along the conveyor length, improving productivity while maintaining simple system configuration and ease of operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If branch devices are used to distribute products to multiple branches, then adaptability is improved for handling diverse products, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Branch devices are positioned and configured in advance along the bulk supply conveyor to create predetermined distribution paths. Products are directed to appropriate branches based on their characteristics before reaching the transfer robots, improving adaptability while keeping the control system simple through pre-planned product routing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for the processing of products. The system comprises a bulk supply conveyor for supplying products; a discharge conveyor for the discharging of products; a transfer robot arranged for transferring products from the bulk supply conveyor to the discharge conveyor; a controller arranged for selecting a product that is to be transferred, from products that are fed with the bulk supply conveyor to the transfer robot, and for controlling the transfer robot; a transfer station for the manual transfer there, to the discharge conveyor, of products that have not been transferred by the transfer robot. The transfer station is provided in such a way that products that have not been transferred by the transfer robot end up at the transfer station. The system comprises several transfer robots. The bulk supply conveyor comprises a main conveyor with several branches, wherein each branch ends up at one of the several transfer robots. The system comprises a respective branch device associated with each branch, which is arranged for causing products to move across from the main conveyor to the respective branch. The system further comprises a branch controller that is arranged for controlling the respective branch devices.