Robot Gripper Scheduling for Continuous Goods Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage and picking systems face interruptions in the flow of goods due to the need for frequent gripper changes when handling a diverse range of goods, as they require different grippers for safe and high-speed manipulation.

Innovation Solution

The method involves sorting goods into groups based on grip type and supplying them to the robot in a way that minimizes gripper changes by prioritizing goods that can be handled by the currently activated gripper, or by grouping goods by gripper type, allowing for uninterrupted processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different grippers are used for different goods types, then the robot can handle diverse goods safely and at high speed, but frequent gripper changes cause interruptions in the flow of goods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle diverse goodsVSAvoidflow continuity of goods

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary classification of goods into groups based on grip types before they reach the robot. The conveyor system sorts goods in advance, so that when a gripper is selected and attached to the robot, all subsequent goods are compatible with that gripper type, eliminating the need for frequent gripper changes and maintaining continuous flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor system is divided into multiple lanes, with each lane dedicated to transporting goods of a specific grip type. This segmentation allows the robot to work with one gripper type at a time while other lanes continue to supply compatible goods, preventing interruptions in the overall flow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gripper types are provided on the robot, then the robot can manipulate different goods, but the system complexity increases due to gripper selection and changing mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripper compatibility with goodsVSAvoidgripper changing mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robot system is designed with multiple grippers that can be attached to the robot head, and the system universally handles different goods by selecting the appropriate gripper. The conveyor system provides universal support for multiple grip types through parallel lanes, creating a multi-functional system that can handle diverse goods without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20240300092A1Method for transferring products with improved efficiency by means of a robot, and storage and order-picking system therefor

Publication Date: 2024.09.12 TGW LOGISTICS GMBH

AI summary

In a method for transferring goods using a robot and a storage and picking system for carrying out the method, a gripper is coupled to or activated at a robot head of the robot depending on the grip type of the goods to be transferred. By doing so, a good can be picked up at a first position and deposited at a second position. The goods, separated into the groups of goods, are supplied to the robot so that the goods of a first group of goods are firstly provided at the first position and subsequently the goods of a second group of goods are provided at the first position. The first group of goods includes the goods of a first grip type, and the second group of goods includes the goods of a second grip type.