Object Singulation via Dynamic Detection and Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current object sortation systems are inefficient and costly due to the need for large numbers of collection bins, high mechanical complexity, and reliance on human labor, which limits throughput and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A processing system that includes a singulation system with a conveying system, detection system, and removal system to provide a singulated stream of objects, which can be identified and sorted efficiently using robotic arms and perception systems, reducing the need for multiple collection bins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional human labor and fixed sequence operations are used for sortation, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and throughput are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidmechanical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic singulation where objects are individually separated from the input stream at variable positions based on real-time detection, enabling flexible processing sequences and higher throughput without fixed mechanical constraints

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Manual human sortation is replaced with an automated detection and singulation system that uses sensors and robotic mechanisms to identify and separate objects, increasing productivity while reducing labor dependency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If large numbers of collection bins are used to handle diverse objects, then sortation capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesortation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of collection bins

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sortation process is segmented into detection, identification, and singulation stages, allowing objects to be processed individually without requiring parallel collection bins for all possible destinations simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A detection and singulation system acts as an intermediary between the input stream and collection bins, enabling flexible routing decisions and reducing the need for a fixed large number of bins by processing objects one at a time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If fixed sequence operations are used for object processing, then operational simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different object types and destinations is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processing sequence is made dynamic through real-time detection and identification, allowing the system to adapt the singulation timing and routing decisions based on object characteristics and destination requirements rather than following a fixed predetermined sequence

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250162813A1Systems and methods for providing singulation of objects for processing

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

A processing system including a singulation system is disclosed. The singulation system includes a conveying system for moving objects to be sorted from a source area along a first direction, a detection system for detecting objects at the conveying system, and for selecting certain selected objects for removal from the conveying system, and a removal system for removing the certain selected objects from the conveying system for providing a singulated stream of objects.