Pivotable Suction Cup End Effector With Inline Vacuum Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval systems for online retail businesses require efficient storage solutions for a large number of diverse products, including perishables and infrequently-ordered goods, while minimizing space usage and ensuring economical access.
Innovation Solution
A robot end effector with an integrated vacuum manifold and pivotable suction cup assembly, capable of grasping items at various angles and orientations, and an inline filter to protect the vacuum system from contaminants, enhances the efficiency of item retrieval and placement in a robotic picking station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load-handling devices are used to access bins in stacks, then retrieval capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector is designed with a universal interface that can engage with different bin types and orientations. The gripper mechanism can handle bins both horizontally and vertically, and the suction cup assembly can adapt to various surface orientations, allowing a single device to perform multiple retrieval functions without requiring specialized equipment for each bin configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector incorporates dynamically adjustable components including a rotatable wrist assembly that can pivot to different angles, and a gripper mechanism that can transition between gripping and suction modes. This dynamic adaptability allows the single load-handling device to access bins in various positions and orientations within stacks, effectively replacing multiple specialized devices
2Ease of manufacture
If single-product stacks are used, then storage simplicity is improved, but floor area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector's universal gripping mechanism can handle multiple bin types and product configurations within a single stack structure. The ability to switch between gripping and suction modes allows the same vertical stack to store both standard bins and perishable items, eliminating the need for separate single-product stacks for different item types and reducing overall floor area
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from horizontal expansion (multiple single-product stacks across floor area) to vertical expansion (multi-layer stacks accessed by overhead load-handling devices). The end effector's ability to engage bins at various orientations enables efficient utilization of vertical storage space, reducing the footprint required for storage operations
3Adaptability or versatility
If suction cup assembly is used for grasping, then adaptability to item orientation is improved, but vulnerability to contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
An inline filter is positioned in the vacuum line between the suction cups and the vacuum source, acting as an intermediary that captures environmental contaminants before they can enter and damage the vacuum pump. This allows the suction cup assembly to maintain its adaptability for grasping items at various orientations while protecting the vacuum system from harmful particles
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing easy extraction and maintenance. This enables the suction cup assembly to continue operating with its contaminant-exposed design while the filter can be periodically removed, cleaned, or replaced without disassembling the entire end effector, thus maintaining grasping flexibility while managing contaminant risks
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
The solution allows for flexible and reliable grasping of a wide range of items, reducing space requirements and maintaining system integrity by minimizing vacuum losses and protecting the vacuum source from environmental contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum manifold is fluidically connected to an extendable stem... configured to supply vacuum pressure to the suction cup assembly
Implementation Method 2
A robot end effector with an integrated vacuum manifold and pivotable suction cup assembly, capable of grasping items at various angles and orientations, and an inline filter to protect the vacuum system from contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
A robot end effector comprising a pivotable suction cup assembly and a belt drive connected to the suction cup assembly to pivot the suction cup assembly in use.