Robotic Cargo Unloading with Adjustable Conveyor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unloading of cargo from vehicles at logistics hubs is predominantly manual, leading to intense work conditions that are often avoided by workers, despite the increasing volume and decreasing cost of parcel delivery, necessitating the development of a robotic system for automating this process.
Innovation Solution
An automated cargo unloading machine equipped with robotic arm devices and a conveyor system that can adjust height and inclination, capable of unloading cargo using various modes (down sweep, side sweep, suction, and clamping) and transporting it to a rearward conveyor, utilizing sensors for pattern recognition and type identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual unloading is used, then workers can handle cargo, but work intensity is extremely high and workers avoid this operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated robotic system. The robotic arm device with suction cup or clamping mechanism automatically grasps and transfers cargo, eliminating the need for manual labor while maintaining high unloading efficiency. The robot controller coordinates the robotic arm and conveyor belt to achieve automated cargo handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the robotic arm automatically positions itself to grasp cargo, the conveyor belt automatically transports items, and the robot controller autonomously coordinates these operations. This eliminates the need for human workers to perform the physically demanding unloading task while maintaining continuous high-speed operation.
2Ease of operation
If robotic arm devices are added to automate unloading, then labor intensity is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various cargo types and positions. It can switch between suction cup mode for flat surfaces and clamping mode for different shapes. The robotic arm can reach multiple positions and orientations, making it universally applicable to different unloading scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the robotic arm device, conveyor belt, and robot controller into an integrated automated unloading system. The robotic arm and conveyor belt work together as a coordinated system, with the robot controller managing both components. This integration reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate independent systems while maintaining automated operation capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor device is fixed, then结构简单 (structure is simple), but it cannot adapt to different cargo positions and unloading modes
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor device is designed with dynamic adjustability in both height and inclination angle. The height can be adjusted vertically to match different cargo positions, and the inclination angle can be changed to optimize cargo transfer angles for different unloading modes. This dynamic capability allows the same conveyor device to adapt to various operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed conveyor units.
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 machine efficiently unloads cargo from vehicles, reducing manual labor intensity and enhancing operational efficiency in logistics centers by automating the unloading process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit provided on one side portion of the hand unit and configured to suck the loaded cargo
Implementation Method 2
the first side surface part and the second side surface part include a conveyor belt that transfers the unloaded cargo to rearward
Data Source
AI summary
An automated cargo unloading machine is disclosed herein. The automated cargo unloading machine according to an embodiment of the present invention is an automated cargo unloading machine for unloading cargo loaded inside a cargo box including a main body frame, robotic arm devices provided at both sides of the main body frame, respectively, to unload the loaded cargo, and a conveyor device which is mounted on the main body frame, which is provided between the robotic arm devices, on which the cargo unloaded by the robotic arm devices is seated, and which transports the seated cargo to rearward.