Automated Pliable Package Handling With Rigid Engagement Features
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Solution Overview
Problem
The handling of packages with non-fixed geometry, such as pliable or partially pliable packages, poses challenges in logistics networks due to the need for manual handling, which limits processing efficiency and speed as the volume of packages increases.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods for automated or semi-automated handling and manipulation of packages, including package-holding devices, package-manipulating devices, and detection components that enable the identification and location of packages in three-dimensional space, along with specially adapted packages featuring opening/closing mechanisms and geometric structures for automated engagement and manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling is used for pliable packages, then handling flexibility is maintained, but processing speed and efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The package is divided into a pliable body and separate rigid geometric structures (contact points, engagement features) that can be independently grasped and manipulated. This segmentation allows automated systems to interact with specific rigid elements rather than attempting to grasp the entire flexible package, thereby increasing processing speed while maintaining handling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
Rigid geometric structures serve as intermediaries between the automated handling system and the pliable package body. These intermediate elements (contact points, engagement features) provide stable interfaces for automated grippers and manipulators, enabling high-speed automated handling without requiring direct manipulation of the flexible package material itself.
2Productivity
If automated handling systems are implemented, then processing efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automation system is segmented into specialized components (package-holding device with first and second contact point engageors, package-manipulating device with opening/closing mechanism engageor) rather than using a single complex robotic system. This modular segmentation reduces overall system complexity by dividing functions into discrete, manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
The package design incorporates specific geometric parameters (rigid contact points, standardized engagement features) that simplify the control parameters needed for automated handling. By standardizing these physical parameters, the control system complexity is reduced while maintaining high processing efficiency.
3Extent of automation
If rigid geometric structures are added to pliable packages, then automated engagement becomes possible, but package design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package design segments the flexible body from discrete rigid geometric structures (contact points, engagement features). These segmented rigid elements are strategically placed on the pliable package to provide automated engagement points, enabling automation without requiring complex redesign of the entire package structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid geometric structures serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the pliable package, serve as contact points for holding devices, and act as engagement features for manipulation devices. This multi-functionality reduces design complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into single structural elements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for handling and manipulating packages in automated or semi-automated fashion and packages adapted for the same. The systems may include package-holding devices, package-manipulating devices, and package-detection components for locating packages or portions thereof in a three-dimensional space. The packages may include features that enable automated or semi-automated handling and manipulation thereof, such as different types of opening/closing mechanisms with different geometric structures that allow for holding, shifting, and manipulating the packages and/or portions thereof with the package-manipulating devices. The packages additionally or alternatively may include mechanical fasteners, magnets, and/or spring-biased opening/closing mechanisms for keeping the packages closed prior to manipulation thereof. Such packages and systems may be used in a logistics network to the increase speed, accuracy, and efficiency of processing packages having, at least in part, a non-fixed geometry.