Robotic End Effector Cleaning Station for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inventory systems, such as those in mail order warehouses and robotic manipulators, face challenges due to contamination of engagement surfaces on end-of-arm tools, leading to reduced efficiency and the need for extended downtime for repair or replacement.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning station is introduced that automates the cleaning process for end-of-arm tools, allowing robotic arms to position the tools for immersion in a cleaning agent, scrubbing against a cleaning pad, and drying, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of end-of-arm tools is performed, then the tool can be cleaned, but the system experiences extended downtime and reduced productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning station is designed to automatically clean the end-of-arm tool without human intervention. The robotic arm positions the tool in a cleaning station that applies cleaning agents and mechanical scrubbing, allowing the system to maintain tool cleanliness autonomously and continue operating without extended downtime for manual cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning station performs cleaning actions before the tool becomes contaminated enough to affect operation. By implementing continuous or frequent automated cleaning cycles, the system prevents contamination buildup that would require tool replacement or extensive manual cleaning, thereby maintaining productivity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the engagement surface is cleaned manually, then contamination is removed, but the robotic manipulator must be stopped for an extended period
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning station enables the robotic manipulator system to clean its own engagement surface automatically. The system positions the contaminated tool in the cleaning station, which applies cleaning agents and mechanical action to remove contamination, eliminating the need to stop for extended manual cleaning periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is integrated into the continuous operation of the robotic manipulator system. The tool can be quickly positioned in the cleaning station during operational cycles, allowing cleaning to occur without significant interruptions to the overall useful action of the system.
3Reliability
If the end-of-arm tool is cleaned frequently to maintain functionality, then performance consistency is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning station is designed as a modular unit that can be integrated with existing robotic manipulator systems. It performs multiple cleaning functions (fluid application, mechanical scrubbing, drying) within a single integrated device, reducing the need for multiple separate systems and minimizing overall complexity while maintaining consistent performance.
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 automated cleaning system maintains the functionality and efficiency of end-of-arm tools, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent performance by effectively removing contaminants and debris, allowing the robotic arms to engage with items without interruption.
Implementation Method 1
the end-of-arm tool can be in contact with a cleaning agent contained within a reservoir of the cleaning station
Implementation Method 2
the end-of-arm tool can be in contact with a cleaning surface of the cleaning station
Implementation Method 3
the end-of-arm tool can be in contact with a cleaning surface of the cleaning station
Implementation Method 4
the end-of-arm tool can be dried by a dryer of the cleaning station and/or via evaporation of the cleaning agent off of the end-of-arm tool
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic arm can clean an end-of-arm tool using a cleaning station. The end-of-arm tool can be positioned at an introduction position with a portion of the end-of-arm tool in contact with a cleaning agent contained within the cleaning station. The end-of-arm tool can be positioned at a scrubbing position with the end-of-arm tool in contact with a cleaning surface. And the end-of-arm tool can be positioned at a drying position for drying of the end-of-arm tool.