Robot Arm Takeout System Parallel Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional workpiece takeout systems require the robot arm to be deactivated each time a workpiece is taken from a different stocker, elongating the time required for sequential takeout operations from multiple stockers.

Innovation Solution

The robot arm performs workpiece takeout operations simultaneously with the disposed-state detector's detection of another workpiece's state in a different area, eliminating the need for deactivation and reducing the overall time for sequential takeout processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the robot arm is deactivated for the disposed-state detector to detect workpiece states in another stocker, then the detection accuracy is ensured, but the tact time for sequential takeout operations is elongated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidtact time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The disposed-state detector performs detection of workpiece states in advance or concurrently with the robot arm's takeout operation, rather than sequentially. This allows the detection to be prepared beforehand or overlap with the robot's movement, eliminating the need to stop the robot for detection and thus reducing tact time while maintaining detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous operation by allowing the robot arm to perform takeout operations without interruption while the disposed-state detector simultaneously detects workpiece states in other stockers. This parallel execution eliminates idle time and maintains continuous productive action throughout the sequential takeout process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If the robot arm operates continuously without deactivation, then the productivity is improved, but the disposed-state detector cannot accurately detect workpiece states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetakeout speedVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The disposed-state detector captures workpiece state information in advance or concurrently with the robot arm's operation, preparing detection data before it is needed for the next takeout operation. This ensures accurate detection without requiring the robot to stop, maintaining both productivity and detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves continuous productive action by running the robot arm and disposed-state detector in parallel. The detector continuously monitors workpiece states in other stockers while the robot performs takeout operations, ensuring neither function interrupts the other and both maintain their respective performance levels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP2581178B1Workpiece takeout system and method for producing a to-be-processed material
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 YASKAWA DENKI KK
  • EP2581178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2581178B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2581178B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A workpiece takeout system includes a robot arm and a disposed-state detector. The robot arm is configured to perform a workpiece takeout operation to take out a workpiece disposed in an area among a plurality of areas. The disposed-state detector is configured to detect a disposed state of the workpiece and is configured to, while the robot arm is performing the workpiece takeout operation to take out the workpiece disposed in the area among the plurality of areas, detect a disposed state of another workpiece disposed in another area among the plurality of areas.