Robotic Item Partitioning with Reception Spaces for Accurate Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems lack efficient methods for partitioning items into defined parts, leading to incomplete or incorrect sorting, which can result in errors and inefficiencies in material handling processes.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a frame, reception spaces, and an end-effector that is controlled by a processor to grasp, identify, and transfer items into corresponding reception spaces based on defined partitions, while monitoring for completion and generating error signals for incomplete parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If robotic systems use conventional sorting methods, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and sorting accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sorting task into distinct phases: identification of items, classification into partitions, and transfer to reception spaces. The end-effector is further segmented into multiple effectors, each dedicated to specific partitions, enabling specialized handling for different item types while maintaining overall system coordination through the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary between the identification system and the end-effectors, processing item data and generating appropriate transfer commands. This intermediary layer enables complex sorting logic and error monitoring without requiring direct complex wiring between sensors and actuators, thus improving precision while managing complexity.
2Reliability
If robotic systems implement comprehensive monitoring, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the sorting process by tracking which items have been transferred and which partitions are complete. This feedback mechanism enables real-time detection of incomplete partitions and triggers error signals. The system uses this feedback to ensure reliability without requiring complex external monitoring equipment, as the controller itself performs the monitoring function.
3Manufacturing precision
If robotic systems use sequential partitioning, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple end-effectors are merged into a single coordinated system, with each effector responsible for specific partitions. This allows parallel processing of different item groups simultaneously, maintaining high precision for each partition while improving overall throughput. The controller coordinates these merged effectors to operate in parallel rather than strictly sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification and classification of items before physical transfer begins. This preliminary action allows the controller to plan the sorting sequence and assign items to appropriate end-effectors in advance, enabling more efficient parallel execution and reducing idle time between transfers.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, articles, and methods for the partition of a plurality of items. A system including at least one processor, a frame, an end-effector coupled to the frame, and a plurality of reception spaces proximate to the end-effector. Coupled to the at least one processor is the end-effector, and a storage device storing processor-executable instructions which cause the at least one processor to direct the end-effector partition a plurality of items into two or more defined parts per a defined partition for the plurality of items. The end-effector places the plurality of items in the plurality of reception spaces. Item(s) for a respective part of the two or more defined parts are placed in a respective reception space, and may be transferred to a respective container. A method of operation of a system including at least one processor and a robot substantially as described and illustrated herein.