Programmable End of Arm Tool with Electromagnetic Linear Motors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing package handling systems lack the flexibility to adjust object spacing according to specific handling needs, limiting their ability to efficiently manage diverse packaging requirements.
Innovation Solution
A programmable end-of-arm tool (EOAT) equipped with first and second electromagnetic linear motors, each with a set of picker arms that can be programmed to vary their spacing, allowing for multiple pitch configurations to accommodate different package handling tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single linear motor setup is used in traditional EOAT, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for different package handling needs deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The EOAT is divided into multiple independent picking arm carriers (first picking arm carrier, second picking arm carrier, etc.), each capable of independent movement along the linear motor track. This segmentation allows each carrier to be positioned independently to create various pitch configurations, thereby improving adaptability for different package handling needs while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The linear motor setup is designed to universally accommodate multiple picking arm carriers that can be arranged in different configurations. The same linear motor infrastructure supports various pitch arrangements (e.g., uniform spacing, clustered grouping, alternating patterns) by simply repositioning the carriers, making the system multi-functional without requiring multiple specialized motors for each configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple picking arm carriers are used to provide varied pitch configurations, then the versatility for different object spacing needs is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The picking arm carriers are designed to be dynamically repositionable along the linear motor track rather than being fixed in predetermined positions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different object spacing requirements by moving carriers to appropriate locations, providing versatility without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with electromagnetic linear motors to control carrier positions. The linear motors provide precise, programmable control of carrier positions through electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If picker arms are arranged in fixed patterns, then the device complexity is minimized, but the ability to handle diverse packaging requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables changes in the spatial parameters (pitch, spacing, arrangement patterns) of the picker arms by repositioning the carriers along the linear motor track. This allows the same physical device to handle diverse packaging requirements by simply changing the positional parameters of the carriers, avoiding the need for complex mechanical reconfiguration while maintaining high adaptability
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 EOAT provides a high degree of flexibility in object spacing, enabling it to handle a wide range of package handling tasks with precision and efficiency, surpassing the limitations of traditional EOATs with single linear motor setups.
Implementation Method 1
The EOAT includes first and second electromagnetic linear motors each of which include a plurality of individual picking arm carriers that are movable along a respective electromagnetic linear motor
Data Source
AI summary
A computer programmable end of robot arm tool for picking and placing a plurality of objects arranged in a first array from a first pick location to a second place location where the objects are placed in a second array different from said first array where the spacing between the picking arms is programmable between different spacing arrangements including during the pick and place arm movement.