Robot Item Modeling With On-Motion Horizontal Sensor Scanning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for item modeling in industrial robots are inconsistent and complex, leading to long cycle times and unreliable data extraction due to the need for external sensors that require the robot to stop and rotate to capture item data from different angles.
Innovation Solution
An item modeling unit with sensors integrated on a horizontal moving component of the industrial robot, allowing data capture during manipulation without stopping the robot, using multiple sensors aligned in different directions to obtain property data from various angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external sensors are used for item modeling, then item data can be captured, but the robot must stop and rotate to capture data from different angles, increasing cycle time and reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor system with the robot's horizontal moving component, integrating the measurement function into the robot's existing structure. This eliminates the need for separate external sensors and allows data capture during normal robot movement, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is positioned on the horizontal moving component to capture item data in advance during the robot's manipulation movements. By capturing data during the manipulation phase rather than requiring a separate scanning phase, the system performs measurement action preliminarily, maintaining productivity while ensuring complete item characterization
2Reliability
If the robot stops to perform rotational movements for sensor data capture, then complete item modeling is achieved, but the manipulation process is interrupted, increasing waiting time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous useful action by capturing item data during the robot's normal manipulation movements. The sensor on the horizontal moving component continuously records item properties throughout the manipulation cycle, eliminating interruptions and maintaining continuous productive action while ensuring complete item modeling through multi-angle data capture
3Loss of information
If sensors are placed externally or on the end effector, then item data can be obtained, but the workspace constraints and task requirements limit the sensor's ability to extract sufficient data
Solution Approach 1:
The horizontal moving component serves multiple functions: it performs the robot's manipulation tasks while simultaneously carrying the sensor to capture item data. This multi-functionality allows the same component to adapt to different workspace requirements and task types while ensuring consistent data extraction capability across various applications
Data Source
AI summary
An item modelling unit for an industrial robot for manipulating an item includes at least one sensor and a processing unit. The at least one sensor is disposed on a horizontal moving component of the industrial robot. The horizontal moving component moves in a horizontal direction during manipulation of the item. The at least one sensor obtains property data of the item during manipulation of the item. The processing unit determines a model of the item during manipulation of the item using the property data of the item.