Piece-Good Separation Using 3D Imaging and Gripper Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pharmacy picking devices struggle to store pharmaceutical product packages efficiently due to chaotic storage methods, leading to time-consuming processes and the inability to separate and orient piece goods on predetermined surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing a 3D recording device and a lateral recording device to determine the dimensions and orientation of piece goods, employing a gripper to rotate and position them on a preferred storage surface using a conveyor system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chaotic storage methods are used in pharmacy picking devices, then storage capacity is maintained, but separation and orientation of piece goods becomes impossible and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images of piece goods before storage, determining their dimensions and orientation in advance, and pre-planning their placement on predetermined surfaces. This allows the picking device to automatically separate and orient goods without time-consuming manual intervention during the storage process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical separation and orientation operations with an automated system using image recording devices, control units, and conveyor mechanisms. The control device processes images to determine dimensions and orientation, then directs the conveyor to automatically place goods on predetermined surfaces, eliminating time-consuming manual handling.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual separation and orientation of piece goods is performed, then orientation precision is improved, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system substitutes manual separation and orientation operations with an automated image-based control system. Recording devices capture images of piece goods, the control device processes these images to determine precise dimensions and orientation, and the conveyor automatically places goods on predetermined surfaces with high orientation precision without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (image) of the piece good's physical state before storage. By analyzing the image data, the control device determines dimensions and orientation, then directs the conveyor to replicate the correct orientation on the predetermined surface. This copying approach enables precise orientation without manual handling.
3Productivity
If automated picking systems are implemented, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple recording devices and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control device serves multiple functions: it processes images from recording devices, determines piece good dimensions, calculates orientation, and controls the conveyor system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task, thereby managing complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the image recording, dimension determination, orientation calculation, and conveyor control into an integrated automated picking system. By combining these functions under a central control device, the system achieves high productivity while managing complexity through functional integration rather than separate independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for storing piece goods are provided. The systems include a picking device having storage locations configured to store piece goods and a separating device. The separating device includes a feed device, a conveyor having a gripper and a control device coupled to the conveyor. The control device is configured to cause the gripper to pick a piece good based on images from a first recording device, a second recording device to take a first image of the picked piece good, the gripper to rotate the picked piece good by a predetermined angle about an axis and the second recording device to take a second image of the picked piece good. Methods of storing piece goods are also provided.