Robot Feeder Conveyor Inclination for Object Overturning Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing feeder devices for robots and robotic arms face issues with cylindrical or spherical objects rolling or overlapping, leading to gripping difficulties and requiring operator intervention, with limitations in flexibility and efficiency, especially when handling larger pieces.
Innovation Solution
A feeder device with adjustable conveyor belts and abutment elements, allowing for varying slope and orientation to manage object flow and prevent blockages, combined with a chute system for controlled object transfer and enhanced percussion for better elastic rebound, and integrated lighting for improved gripping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a slope is introduced to overturn objects, then objects can be overturned, but objects slow down and accumulate close to the end of the belt causing blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The belt inclination angle is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The control unit varies the inclination angle of at least one belt according to the specific object being transported, optimizing the balance between overturning capability and maintaining flow speed to prevent blockages.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters (inclination angle) based on object characteristics. By adjusting the angle parameter dynamically, the system adapts to different object shapes and sizes, enabling effective overturning while maintaining appropriate transport speed.
2Shape
If a slope is introduced to overturn objects, then objects can be overturned, but objects may fall out of the belt requiring operator collection
Solution Approach 1:
The belt inclination angle is dynamically adjusted based on object characteristics. By optimizing the angle for each object type, the system achieves effective overturning while maintaining objects securely on the belt, preventing them from falling off and eliminating the need for operator intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit receives information about the object (from sensors or pre-programmed data) and adjusts the belt inclination accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the optimal angle is applied to achieve overturning without causing objects to fall off the belt.
3Shape
If the percussion imparted by the pistons is increased to overturn larger pieces, then larger pieces can be overturned, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing percussion force, the system changes the operational parameter (belt inclination angle) to achieve overturning of larger pieces. This parameter-based approach avoids the need for more complex and expensive percussion mechanisms while effectively handling various object sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical percussion mechanism with a controlled inclination-based overturning system. By using gravity and controlled belt angles, the system achieves the same overturning function without the complexity and cost of enhanced percussion devices.
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
The device ensures continuous operation with minimal operator intervention, prevents blockages and object falling, enhances the percussion effect, and maintains economic competitiveness by using common materials and market-available components.
Implementation Method 1
a series of conveyor belts 3' and 3'' which constitute a closed loop for transporting objects
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the inclination of one or more of the conveyor belts, which produces a counter-slope step suitable for overturning even larger objects
Implementation Method 3
the percussion imparted by the pistons is not sufficient to overturn larger pieces, because they receive little elastic charge from the belt
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a feeder device (1) for robots and robotic arms, automation systems and the like, comprising, on a frame (2): a set of conveyor belts (3', 3") which constitute a closed loop for transporting objects designed to be gripped by a robot in such a way that the objects circulate cyclically and continuously within the closed loop; the conveyor belts (3', 3") comprising at least a first belt (3') and a second belt (3") which have, respectively, a first direction of extension (10') and a second direction of extension (10") substantially parallel to each other and oriented in opposite directions; it being possible to orient at least one of the conveyor belts (3', 3"), using means (7) for adjusting the slope, along an operating axis (20) substantially normal relative to the ground, between a first position wherein the relative first or second direction of extension (10', 10") is substantially parallel to the ground and a second inclined position, wherein the relative first or second direction of extension (10") defines an angle (A) with the ground; means (11', 11") for adjusting the orientation of the flow of the objects from the first belt (3') to the second belt (3'''). a chute (8', 8") associated to a part of an edge of the conveyor belts (3', 3"), in such a way as to accompany the change in level which said objects must overcome due to the slope in said second inclined position. A characteristic of the device (1) is that it comprises means for adjusting the angle of inclination of the chute (8', 8"): the angle of inclination is defined by the direction normal to the ground and by the profile of the chute (8', 8").