Multipoint End Effector for Flimsy Carrier Trays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for handling and moving cases or carrier trays containing products are inefficient and prone to damage due to their flimsy nature, making machine handling difficult and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An end effector comprising an upright mast, a vacuum pad, a vacuum gripper, and a support plate that can engage and lift the top, side, and bottom of a pack, respectively, allowing for machine-assisted movement by coupling with an automaton or robot.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional lifting methods are used on flimsy carrier trays, then the carrier tray bottom can be damaged or the cans can shift, but machine handling is precluded and manual handling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting force is segmented into three distinct engagement points: top engagement via vacuum pad, side engagement via vacuum gripper, and bottom engagement via support plate. This distributes the lifting load across multiple locations, preventing damage to any single area while enabling reliable machine handling of flimsy carrier trays
Solution Approach 2:
Different lifting mechanisms are applied to different locations of the carrier tray based on local requirements: vacuum pads for top surface engagement, vacuum grippers for side surface engagement, and support plates for bottom surface engagement. Each location receives the appropriate type of engagement suitable for its structural characteristics
2Reliability
If multi-point engagement is implemented, then damage-free handling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Three separate lifting mechanisms (vacuum pad, vacuum gripper, support plate) are merged into a single integrated end effector assembly mounted on one mast. This allows multi-point engagement for damage-free handling while consolidating control and reducing operational complexity compared to using three separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector is designed as a multi-functional device that can engage carrier trays at multiple locations simultaneously. The combination of top, side, and bottom engagement capabilities in one device provides universal applicability for handling various flimsy carrier tray configurations
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 efficient and damage-free machine handling of cases or carrier trays by engaging multiple points of the pack, reducing labor and time inefficiencies in moving and stacking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pad movable on the upright mast to engage an object top
Implementation Method 2
a gripper movable on an upright mast to engage an object side
Data Source
AI summary
Generally, an end effector adapted to engage and move an object from a first location to a second location. Specifically, an end effector including one or more of a vacuum pad movable on the upright mast to engage an object top, a vacuum gripper movable on an upright mast to engage an object side, and a support plate extendable in relation to the upright mast to engage an object bottom, the end effector can be moved to correspondingly move the object.