Reversible Adhesion Mover for Industrial Item Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems lack efficient and reversible adhesion technologies for securely attaching and detaching items during transportation, which limits their scalability and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of reversible adhesive surfaces on movers within industrial transportation systems, activated and deactivated by controlled shear forces, allowing for secure attachment and detachment of items during loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional adhesion methods are used in industrial transportation systems, then items can be securely attached during transport, but the detachment process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the transition of adhesive properties from adhesive to cohesive failure modes through controlled shear force application. The adhesive tape changes its failure mechanism based on the magnitude and direction of applied forces, enabling easy attachment through vertical pressing and easy detachment through horizontal shearing motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with a simpler adhesive-based system that utilizes shear force control. Instead of mechanical clips, latches, or fasteners, the system uses the inherent mechanical properties of adhesive tape and controlled shear forces to achieve secure attachment and easy release.
2Reliability
If adhesive strength is increased to ensure secure item attachment, then transportation reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by utilizing the mover's own motion to generate the shear forces needed for both attachment and detachment. The oscillating or reciprocating motion of the mover automatically creates the necessary shear forces to activate adhesive failure modes, eliminating the need for separate actuators or energy-consuming release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces energy-consuming active release mechanisms with a passive adhesive system that relies on mechanical shear forces generated during normal operation. The adhesive tape's cohesive failure mode provides reliable attachment during transport while requiring minimal energy for detachment through natural shear motion.
3Productivity
If reversible adhesion technology is implemented, then operational efficiency improves, but the system requires precise control of shear forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by utilizing the natural oscillating or reciprocating motion of the mover to generate varying shear forces. The dynamic motion automatically creates the force conditions needed for adhesive activation and release, eliminating the need for precise static force control systems or complex sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies periodic action by using the cyclic motion of the mover to repeatedly apply shear forces during attachment and detachment cycles. The periodic nature of the motion naturally alternates between adhesive and cohesive failure modes, enabling automatic reversible adhesion without complex control systems.
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
Enables robust, repeatable, and power-efficient adhesion in industrial automation systems, enhancing the scalability and efficiency of item transportation by ensuring secure attachment and easy detachment of items, thereby improving overall system performance.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the one or more movers includes a first surface configured to provide reversible adhesion between the mover and an item loaded on the mover
Implementation Method 2
The reversible adhesion of the first surface is activated when a first shear force is generated between the first surface and the item
Implementation Method 3
The reversible adhesion of the first surface is deactivated when a second shear force is generated between the first surface and the item
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial transportation system includes one or more movers and a robot system. The robot system is configured to load one or more items on the surface of respective movers and unload the one or more items from the surface of respective movers. Each of the one or more movers includes a first surface configured to provide reversible adhesion between the mover and an item loaded on the mover. The reversible adhesion of the surface is activated at loading and deactivated at unloading.