Parallel Link Robot Box Packing Flap Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of box packing apparatuses using parallel link robots is limited due to the restricted vertical moving speed and range of suction pads, making it difficult to improve packing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flap folding mechanism that opens at least one cover flap of the box to reduce the vertical stroke of the article held by the parallel link robot, allowing it to be carried into the box with a reduced vertical movement, and positioning the conveyor-side cover flap under the conveyance surface to minimize horizontal distance, thereby enhancing the packing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a parallel link robot is used to carry articles into boxes, then automation is achieved, but the vertical moving speed and range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cover flap is folded open to the outside before the article is carried into the box, reducing the vertical stroke required by the parallel link robot. This preliminary action of opening the flap eliminates the need for the robot to lift the article high enough to clear a closed flap, thereby improving vertical moving speed and range.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the cover flap is not folded open, then the box structure remains intact, but the vertical stroke of the article increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover flap is folded open to the outside before the article is carried into the box, reducing the vertical stroke required by the parallel link robot. This preliminary action of opening the flap eliminates the need for the robot to lift the article high enough to clear a closed flap, thereby improving vertical moving speed and range.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the conveyor-side cover flap is positioned higher, then the box is more stable, but the horizontal distance for article placement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor-side cover flap is folded open to the outside and positioned under the conveyance surface before the article is carried into the box. This preliminary positioning reduces the horizontal distance the parallel link robot must travel to place the article, while the flap remains in a position that maintains box stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A box packing apparatus is equipped with a first conveyor, a parallel link robot, and a flap folding mechanism. The first conveyor conveys an article. The parallel link robot takes hold of the article on the first conveyor and carries it into a cardboard box that has an upper opening. The flap folding mechanism folds open to the outside of the upper opening at least one of plural cover flaps of the cardboard box that are located around the upper opening.