Automatic station comprising a tool for processing of edible liquids and assembly method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for automated handling of crockery or kitchen articles, such as glasses, struggle to apply the right amount of gripping force to prevent breakage or dropping, especially when handling articles of varying shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A gripping mechanism comprising two movable arms with a linear actuator to regulate their opening and closing, equipped with toothed sectors for secure rotation and a mechanical coupling to attach to a robotic arm, allowing for adjustable gripping force and secure handling of various kitchen articles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a robotic system applies high gripping force to secure kitchen articles, then the gripping reliability improves, but the kitchen article may break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a linear actuator to dynamically adjust the gripping force parameter. The actuator regulates the opening and closing movement of the arms, enabling the system to apply optimal gripping force that is sufficient to secure the kitchen article without exceeding the threshold that would cause breakage. This controlled parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between gripping reliability and breakage prevention.
2Device complexity
If a robotic system uses a simple gripping mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but it cannot handle articles of varying shapes and sizes effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality through a gripping mechanism designed with two movable arms that can accommodate kitchen articles of varying shapes and sizes. The arms are configured to adapt their positioning and gripping approach based on the article being handled, allowing a single mechanism to perform multiple handling tasks across different article types without requiring complex specialized components for each variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by using movable arms actuated by a linear actuator, allowing the gripping mechanism to dynamically adjust its configuration. The arms can move between different positions and angles to adapt to various article geometries, providing versatility while maintaining relatively simple mechanical components compared to rigid, fixed-configuration systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system uses a complex gripping mechanism to handle various articles, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a linear actuator as a mediating component between the control system and the gripping arms. This actuator simplifies the overall mechanism by providing a single, controlled means of actuation that regulates the complex motion of the two arms, enabling versatile handling of various articles while keeping the actuation system relatively simple and manageable.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic arm for preparing beverages including a gripping mechanism for kitchen articles containing the beverage includes: a first and a second arm movable respectively between an open and a closed position of the arms themselves; said first and second arm being hinged and including respective toothed sectors meshing and rotating about the corresponding hinge axes of the first and second arm; a linear actuator configured to regulate the opening and closing movement of the arms and having a power input adapted to be releasably connected to a power line of a bartender station; wherein the gripping mechanism can be locked to a robotic arm known to perform bartending operations in an automated manner.