Robotic Cover Removal System for Controlled Enclosures
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In controlled environment enclosures, the removal of container covers often requires human intervention via gloves, which poses a risk of puncture and is inefficient, especially when combined with the need for decontamination and sterilization processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing an articulated arm apparatus and a rotary gripping apparatus to remove container covers without human intervention, where the articulated arm moves the container while holding the gripping area stationary, and the gripping apparatus positions and rotates to grip and remove the cover along a predetermined path, minimizing human interaction and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If human intervention via gloves is used to remove container covers, then the operation can be performed manually, but the risk of puncture increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service operation where the robotic arm with gripping device performs cover removal independently without human intervention. The articulated arm positions and manipulates the cover while the gripping device secures and removes it, making the process autonomous and eliminating glove-related safety risks while maintaining high efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (human hands wearing gloves) with an automated mechanical system (articulated robotic arm with gripping device). This substitution eliminates the need for gloves and manual operation, resolving the contradiction between safety and efficiency by providing both automated operation and physical protection through mechanical means
2Productivity
If automated equipment is used for manipulation, then productivity increases, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cover removal function into two independent segmented components: an articulated arm apparatus for positioning and movement, and a gripping device for securing and manipulating the cover. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining high automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm apparatus and gripping device are designed as universal components that can perform multiple functions beyond just cover removal. The articulated arm can position various objects, and the gripping device can handle different types of covers, reducing the need for specialized equipment and lowering overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are presented for removing container covers within a controlled environment enclosure without using gloves. The apparatus comprises an articulated arm apparatus and a gripping apparatus and can further comprise a controller. The articulated arm apparatus can be configurable for holding and moving a container in three dimensions; and the gripping apparatus can be configured for gripping a container cover sealing the container. The method comprises moving the container using the articulated arm apparatus while holding a gripping area of the container cover substantially stationary using the gripping apparatus. The apparatus can further comprise a sensor configured for supplying information to the controller for determining the location of the container cover gripping area and an orientation of the container cover. The method can further comprise inspecting the container cover using the sensor. The container can be moved along a path and within a space determined by the controller.