Mobile Robot Material Supply for Container Processing Workstations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems in container processing plants require manual refilling of work materials and consumables, necessitating complex stations that occupy space and rely on operator intervention.
Innovation Solution
A robot system that autonomously retrieves and transports necessary work materials and consumables, such as cleaning agents or lubricants, from a supply area to the work site using accessory trailers and a robot arm, eliminating the need for manual refilling and complex stations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual refilling of work materials and consumables is used, then operator intervention is required, but this increases device complexity and space requirements for separate stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the material storage function and retrieval function into the robot system itself. The robot chassis integrates work material storage compartments and consumable storage compartments directly into its structure, eliminating the need for separate external stations. The robot arm with gripper serves dual purposes for both performing work tasks and retrieving materials, merging multiple functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system autonomously retrieves work materials and consumables from storage areas and transports them to the work site without requiring external intervention. The control unit automatically manages the retrieval process, activating the robot arm to grasp materials and the chassis to transport them, enabling the system to service itself rather than requiring separate maintenance stations or operator intervention.
2Productivity
If manual refilling by operator is used, then material handling is simple, but productivity decreases due to operator intervention time
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated robot system enables continuous work execution by automatically managing material supply. The robot can retrieve work materials and consumables on-demand during task execution without interruption to the overall work process. The control unit coordinates material retrieval with work tasks, ensuring materials are available when needed without stopping production for manual refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The robot system pre-positions work materials and consumables in integrated storage compartments before they are needed. The control unit anticipates material requirements based on the work plan and ensures materials are ready and accessible, eliminating waiting time during task execution. This preliminary preparation of materials maintains continuous productivity without operator intervention delays.
3Area of stationary object
If separate maintenance station is used, then material refilling is possible, but it occupies space in the work area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the material storage and retrieval functions into mobile robotic units that operate within the work area without requiring fixed stationary stations. The robot chassis with integrated storage compartments can move to different locations as needed, providing material refilling capability on-demand without occupying permanent space. This segmentation transforms fixed space requirements into flexible mobile operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static material storage stations to dynamic mobile robot units. The robot chassis can autonomously navigate to retrieve materials from various locations and deliver them to work sites, providing flexible material management that adapts to changing work requirements without requiring dedicated stationary infrastructure. This dynamic approach maximizes space utilization while maintaining full material refilling capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for using a robot system (1) which carries out a job at a workstation of a container processing facility (2). The robot system (1) moves in a working area of the container processing facility by means of a chassis (3) supported on the floor. The invention is characterized in that the robot system (1) automatically removes work material and/or consumable material needed for the job, such as a cleaning agent or lubricant for example, at a supply area (V) and transports same to the workstation (A) for the job.