Package Tether Loops for Stable Robotic Item Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems face challenges in efficiently handling and transporting items due to the limitations of vacuum pumps with suction tubes, which are cumbersome for mobile and lightweight systems, necessitating a more effective method for gripping and maneuvering packages.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of tethers, such as adhesive tape loops or separate structures, secured to packages to facilitate robotic manipulation, utilizing robotic manipulators with actuators and end effectors like rings, forks, or hooks to engage and move items, with sensors determining optimal tether placement based on the item's center of gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum pumps with suction tubes are used for robotic item handling, then gripping capability is achieved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gripping function from the complex vacuum pump system and transfers it to a simple tether attached to the item. The tether is a separate, minimal component that provides the gripping interface, while the robotic manipulator only needs to pull on the tether rather than generate vacuum. This separates the gripping function from the manipulator system, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tether acts as an intermediary between the robotic manipulator and the item. Instead of the manipulator directly gripping the item (which would require complex vacuum systems), the tether mediates the interaction by providing a simple pullable attachment point on the item, converting a complex gripping problem into a simple pulling action.
2Reliability
If vacuum pumps with suction tubes are used for robotic item handling, then gripping capability is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy vacuum pump system is extracted from the mobile robotic manipulator. The only weight added to the item is the minimal tether, while the manipulator itself remains lightweight since it only performs pulling motions rather than generating vacuum pressure.
3Ease of operation
If tethers are used for item handling, then ease of operation improves, but item stability may worsen due to potential wobbling and tipping
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by determining the item's center of gravity and calculating optimal tether attachment points before the manipulation task begins. This advance planning ensures that the tether is positioned to minimize wobbling and tipping during subsequent handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensor data about the item's physical characteristics and center of gravity to adjust tether placement calculations. This feedback loop ensures that the tether is optimally positioned based on actual item properties, improving stability during manipulation.
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 stable and efficient robotic handling and transportation of items by allowing precise engagement and movement, reducing wobbling and tipping, and enabling seamless integration with robotic delivery vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The tether may correspond to a loop of cord or some other suitable structure that can be readily engaged by a robotic manipulator. The tether in some examples may be added to the package during an upstream portion of the process so that a robotic manipulator can readily engage the package in a downstream part of the process
Data Source
AI summary
A system can function relative to an item, a tether, and a robotic manipulator. The tether can correspond to a loop or other structure that can be mountable or mounted in an installed state in which the tether is secured with the item to facilitate lifting the item by lifting of the tether. The robotic manipulator can include a robotic end effector engageable with the tether in the installed state. The robotic end effector can be configurable to an engaged state in which the tether is coupled with the robotic end effector. The robotic manipulator in the engaged state can be operable to move the item by lifting of the tether in the installed state.