Repositionable Riser for Robotic Arms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems in shipping and distribution centers face challenges in efficiently sorting and packing diverse items due to the variability in item types, order, and mix, leading to instability and inefficiencies, particularly because existing risers are not repositionable, making it difficult to adapt to changing operational needs.
Innovation Solution
A repositionable riser system that allows a robotic arm to be easily moved between active and inactive positions, using a lateral translation subsystem with a carriage and elongated structures defining a constrained path, enabling secure anchoring and minimal effort repositioning, which maintains stability under dynamic forces and allows human operators to access the workspace.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed riser is used to support the robotic arm, then the robotic system maintains stability during operations, but the system cannot adapt to changing operational needs or repositioning requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The riser is designed with a dynamic repositioning mechanism that allows it to be moved between different locations along a rail system. The riser includes a carriage assembly with wheels that roll along rails, enabling the robotic arm to be repositioned to different work areas while maintaining stability when in use through anchoring mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser system is divided into separable components including the riser body, carriage assembly, anchoring mechanisms, and rail system. This segmentation allows the riser to be easily detached and repositioned along the rails without requiring complete system disassembly, balancing adaptability with operational stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a repositionable riser mechanism is added to allow movement, then the system becomes adaptable to different positions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carriage assembly incorporates self-contained rolling elements (wheels) that enable the riser to move along the rails using its own structure, without requiring external lifting or positioning equipment. The anchoring mechanisms are integrated into the riser body, eliminating the need for separate complex mounting systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail system serves as an intermediary structure that guides and constrains the movement of the carriage assembly. This intermediate element simplifies the repositioning mechanism by providing a predefined path, reducing the complexity of control and positioning systems required.
3Ease of operation
If the robotic arm is secured in a fixed position, then operational stability is maintained, but human operators cannot easily access the workspace for maintenance or emergency interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The riser can be dynamically repositioned to an inactive position away from the workspace, allowing operators to access the area for maintenance or emergency responses. When operational stability is required, the riser is anchored in place, creating a stable robotic work area.
Solution Approach 2:
The riser can be completely removed from the workspace by detaching it from the anchoring mechanisms and moving it along the rails to a storage or maintenance area. This extraction capability provides full operator access to the workspace while maintaining the option to quickly reposition the riser when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A repositionable riser is provided. The repositionable riser may be used in connection with a robotic arm deployed in a workspace. The repositionable riser includes a riser having one or more mounting locations at or near an upper end of the riser configured to fixedly mount an equipment on the riser, a lateral translation subsystem comprising a carriage on which the riser is mounted and a set of one or more elongated structures that define a constrained lateral path along which the carriage is movable, the path including a first end associated with active use of the equipment and a second end not associated with active use of the equipment, and an anchor structure to which one or both of the carriage and the riser are configured to be coupled to secure the riser at the first end.