Multi-Surface Suction Grip Mechanism for Irregular Package Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer apparatuses face challenges in automating the unloading of packed cardboard boxes, particularly in handling irregularly loaded packages without breaking or tilting them, due to insufficient grip strength and stability during lifting and movement.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a grip mechanism that includes a first grip portion and a second grip portion, capable of gripping a packed cardboard box from two surfaces at an angle, allowing for stable lifting and movement without breaking or tilting, using suction pads and a support mechanism to maintain the grip mechanism's position and adjust the conveyor height.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a single suction pad is used to grip the upper surface of each cardboard box, then the transfer apparatus can automate unloading work, but the grip strength is insufficient to handle irregularly loaded packages without breaking or tilting them
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism is divided into multiple independent grip portions (first grip portion with first suction pad, second grip portion with second suction pad, and third grip portion with third suction pad). Each grip portion independently grips a different surface of the package, distributing the gripping force across multiple contact points. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable grip stability while achieving full automation of unloading work.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip portions are arranged in different spatial dimensions and orientations around the package. The first grip portion grips the upper surface, the second grip portion grips a side surface, and the third grip portion grips another side surface. This three-dimensional arrangement of grip portions provides comprehensive coverage and stable gripping of irregularly loaded packages from multiple directions simultaneously.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the grip mechanism grips the package from multiple surfaces at an angle, then the lifting and movement become stable without breaking or tilting, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each grip portion is designed with universal functionality to grip different surfaces of the package. The suction pads can adapt to various package shapes and sizes by gripping different surfaces (upper surface, side surfaces, etc.). This multi-functionality allows a single grip mechanism design to handle diverse package configurations stably during lifting without requiring multiple specialized mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip mechanism incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the grip portions to dynamically adapt to the package geometry. The suction pads can adjust their positions and angles to maintain optimal gripping contact on irregularly loaded packages, providing stable lifting while keeping the mechanism design relatively simple through adaptive movement rather than complex fixed structures.
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
Enables reliable and stable transfer of packages by gripping from multiple directions, reducing the risk of breaking or dropping, and allowing for smooth movement even with irregularly loaded packages, enhancing automation in logistics by reducing manual labor demands.
Implementation Method 1
a technology of transferring loaded packages one by one by sucking the upper surface of each cardboard box using a suction pad
Data Source
AI summary
A method including gripping a first surface of a grip target object mounted on a mounting surface by the first grip portion; gripping a second surface crossing the first surface of the grip target object by the second grip portion; lifting the arm together with the first and second grip portions, to lift the grip target object; turning the first and second grip portions, to tilt the grip target object with respect to the mounting surface and bring the grip target object into contact with the mounting surface; maintaining the grip target object in a state of being tilted with respect to the mounting surface; and moving the arm together with the first and second grip portions, to drag the grip target object on the mounting surface.