Multi-Surface Suction Hand Control for Mixed Article Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer apparatuses face inefficiencies in work efficiency due to limitations in handling multiple articles of varying sizes and orientations, often requiring separate apparatuses for different loading conditions, which complicates management and reduces operational reliability.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus equipped with a suction hand featuring multiple upper and side surface suction units, controlled by a detector and controller system, which switches between operations based on article placement conditions to suction and move articles stably, either by simultaneous surface suction for multiple articles or single-article lifting, depending on the placement state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transfer apparatus uses a single suction unit configuration, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot handle multiple articles of varying sizes and orientations effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The suction hand is divided into multiple independent suction units (first suction units and second suction units) that can independently contact different surfaces of articles. Each suction unit can be selectively activated based on article placement conditions, allowing the system to handle various article configurations without requiring a completely different apparatus for each case.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer apparatus uses a universal suction hand configuration that can perform multiple functions: it can suction articles in a first direction using first suction units, suction articles in a second direction using second suction units, or combine both directions simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows a single apparatus to handle diverse article sizes and orientations that would otherwise require separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the transfer apparatus uses multiple suction units for different directions, then it can handle various article placements, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically selects and activates appropriate suction units based on real-time detection of article placement conditions. The system transitions between different operational modes (first direction suction, second direction suction, or combined suction) depending on the detected configuration, making the control system adaptive rather than statically complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector automatically identifies article placement conditions and the controller autonomously determines which suction units to activate without requiring external intervention or complex manual programming. The system self-adjusts its operation based on the detected placement state, simplifying the overall control architecture despite the multiple suction units available.
3Productivity
If the apparatus uses detector and controller for automatic operation, then work efficiency improves, but the system requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The detector provides real-time feedback on article placement conditions to the controller, which automatically adjusts the operation of suction units accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adaptation to different article configurations, significantly improving work efficiency by eliminating manual intervention while the integrated detector-controller architecture minimizes the number of additional components required.
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
Enhances work efficiency by stabilizing the transfer of multiple articles regardless of size or loading conditions, improving reliability by automatically adapting operations without prior information input.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction unit including a plurality of first suction portions and configured to contact with an article in a first direction; a second suction unit including a plurality of second suction portions and configured to contact with the article in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a transfer apparatus includes a suction hand, a moving device, a first detector, and a controller. The suction hand includes a first and second suction units. The first and second suction units are configured to contact with an article in a first direction and a second direction, respectively. the first suction unit and the second suction unit each are provided multiply in a third direction. The controller performs at least a first operation and a second operation. In the first operation, the first suction units respectively suction first surfaces of the articles, the second suction units respectively suction second surfaces of the articles, and the articles are moved. In the second operation, one of the first suction units suctions the first surface of one of the articles, the second suction units do not suction the articles, and the one of the articles is moved.