Robot Conveyor Handoff Layout for Faster Package Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conveying systems in logistics centers face challenges in achieving higher conveying speeds due to the need for precise package handling and routing around obstacles, which complicates the control algorithms and installation processes.
Innovation Solution
A conveying system comprising a robot apparatus, sub conveyors, and a controller that retrieves packages from accumulation units and directs them onto sub conveyors, which then convey them towards a main conveyor, allowing for efficient handling and routing without direct interaction with the main conveyor's position and height, thus simplifying control and installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the robot apparatus directly interacts with the main conveyor to retrieve and place packages, then precise package handling is achieved, but the movement distance is increased and conveying speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A sub-conveyor is introduced as an intermediary device between the robot apparatus and the main conveyor. The sub-conveyor receives packages from the robot apparatus and transports them to the main conveyor, thereby reducing the movement distance of the robot while maintaining precise package handling. This mediator allows the robot to operate independently without directly interacting with the main conveyor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot apparatus directly interacts with the main conveyor, then package routing is achieved, but the control algorithm complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The package routing function is segmented into two independent parts: the robot apparatus handles package retrieval and placement on the sub-conveyor, while the sub-conveyor handles transport to the main conveyor. This segmentation simplifies the control algorithm by dividing the routing task into separate, manageable operations rather than requiring complex direct coordination between the robot and main conveyor.
3Ease of operation
If the robot apparatus directly interacts with the main conveyor, then package transfer is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent modules: the robot apparatus, the sub-conveyor, and the main conveyor. Each module can be installed and adjusted separately, simplifying the overall installation process. The sub-conveyor acts as an independent unit that bridges the robot and main conveyor without requiring complex integration between them.
Solution Approach 2:
The sub-conveyor serves as a mediator that simplifies installation by providing a buffer zone between the robot apparatus and the main conveyor. This intermediary device allows for independent positioning and adjustment of each component, reducing installation complexity while maintaining efficient package transfer operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveying system includes a robot apparatus, a second conveyor, and a controller. The robot apparatus has a holding unit configured to hold a package, and an arm configured to move the holding unit, and is located next to a first conveyor extending in a first direction, in a second direction, which is different from the first direction. The second conveyor is located next to the robot apparatus, in the first direction, and is configured to convey the package in the second direction toward the first conveyor. The controller is configured to control the robot apparatus so as to retrieve the package from an accumulation unit for the package and place the retrieved package on the second conveyor.