Robot Gripping Head for Vertical Carton Stack Unbundling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for moving and unbundling carton stacks are inefficient and require manual oversight, particularly for larger flat-folded cartons held together by straps.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an industrial robot with a gripping head equipped with optical detection, vacuum cups, and a cutting module to detect carton orientation, lift, and cut the holding strap, allowing for automated vertical positioning and unbundling of carton stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling and unbundling of carton stacks is used, then operational flexibility is maintained, but productivity is low and labor intensity is high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses optical detection means to automatically detect the position of prints on cartons and the position of straps, eliminating the need for manual inspection and positioning. The robot autonomously navigates and performs unbundling operations based on detected information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robot system that integrates optical detection, vacuum cup gripping, and mechanical cutting. The robot automatically detects carton positions, grips stacks using vacuum cups, and cuts straps using a cutting module, fully automating the previously manual process
2Manufacturing precision
If optical detection means are added to detect carton orientation and strap position, then cutting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping head is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit that combines vacuum cup gripping, optical detection, and cutting operations. This universal device performs multiple functions that would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high cutting precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the detection system, gripping mechanism, and cutting module into a single integrated gripping head assembly. The optical detection means, vacuum cups, and cutting module work together as one coordinated unit, simplifying system architecture while enabling precise cutting operations
3Reliability
If vacuum cups are used to lift carton stacks, then gripping reliability is improved, but the system can only handle relatively rigid cartons
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts vacuum pressure parameters to optimize gripping for different carton rigidities. By varying the vacuum level and application timing, the system maintains reliable gripping across different carton types while accommodating both rigid and semi-flexible materials
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 efficient, automated handling of carton stacks by lifting and orienting them vertically while cutting and disposing of the holding strap, simplifying further processing without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping head comprises an optical detection means adapted to detect the position of a print on a carton such that the orientation of the carton stack and the position of a strap can be determined
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of vacuum cups arranged on the gripping head are adapted to lift the carton stack
Implementation Method 3
the cutting means is arranged to cut off the strap at the receiving position
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for moving carton stacks from a pallet to a receiving position, where the system comprises an industrial robot provided with a gripping head, where the system comprises at least one position for a pallet holding several carton stacks, a receiving position arranged to receive a carton stack in a vertical orientation, and a waste bin for receiving cut holding straps, where a carton stack is moved from a horizontal position at the pallet to a vertical position at the receiving position by the robot, where the strap is cut off by the gripping head at the receiving position, and that the strap is held by the gripping head and moved to the waste in, where the strap is released into the waste bin. The advantage of the invention is that a carton stack can be moved to a vertical position at a conveyor.