Robotic Case Loading Clamp for Packaging Lines
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the food industry, particularly in biscuit-making factories, the high-speed operation of cartoners requires manual labor to load cardboard cases from pallets onto packaging lines, leading to musculoskeletal disorders due to frequent lifting and handling of heavy boxes.
Innovation Solution
A robotic method using a motor-driven clamp with a gripping system and a robotic arm to automate the loading of cases from a closed parallelepiped container onto a packaging line, involving the opening of the container, grasping the cases, and transferring them to the packaging line, reducing the need for manual labor and minimizing strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual loading of cases from cardboard boxes is performed, then the packaging line can be fed with cases, but the operator experiences musculoskeletal disorders due to frequent lifting of heavy boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (operator lifting and handling) with an automated robotic system. A robotic arm equipped with a specialized gripper automatically extracts cases from the cardboard box and places them on the packaging line, eliminating the need for operator intervention and thereby preventing musculoskeletal disorders while maintaining high productivity at 200 strokes per minute
2Ease of operation
If an operator manually handles and lifts the cardboard box, then the cases can be extracted and loaded, but the operator is exposed to physical strain and fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation where the robotic arm independently performs the entire case extraction and loading process without human assistance. The robot autonomously navigates to the cardboard box, grips the cases using the specialized gripper, and transfers them to the packaging line, making the operation self-sufficient and eliminating operator fatigue
3Extent of automation
If a robotic arm with a motor-driven clamp is used to automate case loading, then operator fatigue is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic gripping system is segmented into distinct functional components: a motor-driven clamp mechanism for gripping, a robotic arm for positioning and extraction, and a control system for coordination. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and operation, making the complex automated system more manageable despite its advanced capabilities
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 robotic method significantly reduces operator fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders by automating the loading process, increasing efficiency and safety while maintaining high-speed operation of packaging lines.
Implementation Method 1
insertion of the first jaw of the clamp between the first face of the container and the first case of the row of cases and, insertion of the second jaw of the clamp between the last case of the row of cases and the second face of the container, and approach of the first jaw and of the second jaw then inserted in the container until seizing up the row of cases
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a robotic method for loading cases on a packaging line from cases contained in a closed parallelepiped container and wherein it is proceeded with the loading of the packaging line, after opening of the container (Ca) by:/d/ insertion of a first jaw (30) of the clamp between the first face (F1) of the container and the first case (Et1) of the row of cases and, insertion of a second jaw (31) of the clamp between the last case (Etd) of the row of cases and the second face (F2) of the container, and approach of the jaws until seizing up the row of cases,/e/ piloting of the robotic arm so as to extract the row of cases from the container grasped by the motor-driven clamp (3) and load the packaging line (Lg) with the row of cases.