Robotic Arm Obstruction Sensing for Collision-Safe Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing logistics warehousing technologies face issues with robotic arms colliding with obstructions during picking and placing operations due to inadequate obstruction detection, leading to inefficiencies and potential accidents.
Innovation Solution
A picking and placing structure with a first robotic arm and a sensor disposed at an angle α greater than 0° and less than 90° between the sensing beam projection and the robotic arm's movement direction, allowing the sensor to detect obstructions and prevent collisions by stopping the arm when the detected distance is below a threshold, using a single laser ranging sensor for enhanced precision and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a robotic arm is used for picking and placing operations in logistics warehousing, then productivity and automation level are improved, but the probability of collision with obstructions increases due to inadequate obstruction detection
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is positioned in advance on the robotic arm to detect obstructions before the arm reaches them, allowing the system to stop or adjust its path beforehand. This preliminary detection action prevents collisions while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary detection device between the robotic arm and potential obstructions. This sensor mediates the interaction by providing early warning signals that enable the arm to avoid collisions without compromising automation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors or complex sensing systems are used to improve obstruction detection, then detection precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using multiple sensors covering different areas, the invention positions a single sensor at a specific location and orientation (angle α between 0° and 90°) to optimize its detection capability for the most critical area - the path directly in front of the robotic arm. This localized optimization achieves high detection precision without increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the critical parameter of sensor orientation by setting the sensing beam angle α between 0° and 90° relative to the arm's movement direction. This parameter optimization enables a single sensor to effectively detect obstructions in the arm's path, achieving high detection precision without requiring multiple sensors.
3Reliability
If the sensor detects obstructions at longer distances, then safety margin is improved, but the sensing beam must be more precise and the sensor requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
By optimizing the sensing beam angle α to be between 0° and 90° relative to the arm's movement direction, the system achieves effective long-range obstruction detection. This parameter change allows the sensing beam to cover the critical detection zone ahead of the arm while maintaining reasonable sensor requirements and avoiding excessive complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces the probability of robotic arm collisions by timely stopping the arm when obstructions are detected, improving obstruction detection range and precision while minimizing costs through the use of a single sensor, suitable for logistics warehousing applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first distance between the first emitting point and the obstruction is detected
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the field of logistics warehousing technologies, and provide a picking and placing structure and a logistics robot. The picking and placing structure includes a main structure, a first robotic arm, and a first sensor. The first robotic arm is disposed on the main structure and is linearly movable relative to the main structure. The first sensor is disposed on the first robotic arm. The first sensor is configured to detect an obstruction in front of the first robotic arm when the first robotic arm extends and moves. An angle α is formed between projections of a straight line where a first sensing beam emitted by a first emitting point of the first sensor lies and a straight line where a movement direction of the first robotic arm lies on a horizontal plane.