Robot Singulator Cable Management Leash Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
In sorting facilities, the whipping action of cables from robotic singulators poses a risk of injury to personnel and damage to equipment, as existing cable management systems fail to effectively constrain their movement.
Innovation Solution
A cable management system comprising an upper bracket assembly, a cable carrier, and leashes of predetermined length that restrict lateral movement of cables, using semi-elastic and semi-flexible materials to absorb force and maintain the cables centered, thereby reducing the whipping action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If cable carriers are used to condense cables into a single array, then cable organization is improved, but cable whipping is compounded by added weight and insufficient movement constraint
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system is divided into distinct functional segments: the cable carrier for condensing and organizing cables, and the leash assembly for constraining movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specialized function effectively, with the carrier handling organization and the leashes handling motion control.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash assembly acts as an intermediary element between the cable carrier and the robotic framework, providing a mechanical connection that transmits constraint forces while allowing controlled movement. The leashes serve as mediator components that translate the structural support into motion restriction without rigidly fixing the cable carrier.
2Ease of operation
If cables are allowed to extend freely for operational flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but cable whipping and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The leash assembly provides dynamic constraint rather than rigid fixation, allowing the cable carrier to move within controlled boundaries while maintaining cable organization. The leashes flex and adjust during robotic framework movement, providing ongoing motion restriction without compromising operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The leashes function as flexible constraint elements that can bend and flex during operation while maintaining their length and providing continuous motion restriction. This flexibility allows the system to accommodate robotic framework movement while preventing excessive cable whipping.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If leashes of predetermined length are used to restrict lateral movement, then cable whipping is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leash assembly integrates multiple functional elements into a unified structure: the leashes themselves, their mounting mechanisms to the robotic framework, and their attachment points to the cable carrier. This merging consolidates the motion constraint function into a single integrated subsystem rather than requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The leash assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it constrains lateral movement of the cable carrier, maintains cable organization, provides structural support, and allows controlled operational movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, offsetting the added complexity with functional consolidation.
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 system effectively reduces the strain on cables and equipment, preventing injuries and damage by maintaining the cables in a controlled, grouped configuration, enhancing safety and operational reliability.
Implementation Method 1
each leash of the cable management system is constructed of a semi-elastic and a semi-flexible material for resiliency against wear over time and to attenuate some of the force imposed on the robotic framework from movement of the cable carrier and the one or more cables received therein
Data Source
AI summary
A cable management system for managing one or more cables extending from a robot singulator includes: an upper bracket assembly for mounting the cable management system to a robotic framework of the robot singulator; a cable carrier that is configured to receive and hold the one or more cables in a grouped configuration; and one or more leashes. Each leash of the cable management system is of a predetermined length and includes a distal end that is mounted to the cable carrier and a proximal end that is configured to be mounted to the robotic framework. When mounted to the robotic framework, each leash restricts the lateral movement of the cable carrier and the one or more cables received therein, thus reducing the extent to which the one or more cables can whip about the robotic framework while the robot singulator is in use.