Robotic Load Handler Adapting to Mixed Container Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic object handling systems are limited by their ability to handle containers of only one specified footprint and height, leading to inefficient use of space and increased complexity when dealing with items of different sizes, as they often require manual handling and cannot accommodate 1-10% of total volumes effectively.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates taller and larger robotic load handling devices that can operate on the same grid structure as standard devices, allowing for bins of varying dimensions and heights, with some load handlers covering multiple grid spacings to accommodate different-sized containers, while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If robotic load handlers are designed to handle only one specified container footprint and height, then the system achieves simplicity in device design and operation, but it cannot accommodate items of different sizes, requiring manual handling for 1-10% of total volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The load handler employs adjustable gripper fingers that can dynamically change their position and configuration to accommodate different container footprints and heights. The gripper mechanism includes movable fingers that can be positioned at multiple locations along the container sides, allowing the same load handler to adapt to various container sizes without requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The load handler is designed as a universal device capable of handling multiple container types (different footprints and heights) through a single multi-functional mechanism. The system uses adjustable gripper positions and configurable gripping patterns to perform the same loading and unloading functions across diverse container specifications, eliminating the need for separate manual handling systems
2Quantity of substance
If standard containers are used to maximize storage density, then space utilization is optimized, but items requiring larger containers (1-10% of total volumes) cannot be handled effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains high storage density through standard container dimensions while the load handler dynamically adjusts its gripper configuration to accommodate larger containers when needed. The adjustable gripper fingers can reach and grip containers of various sizes, allowing the system to switch between dense standard storage and accommodating larger items without sacrificing overall space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The load handler changes its operational parameters (gripper finger positions, gripping force, movement speed) to adapt to different container sizes. By varying these parameters, the system can handle both standard small containers for maximum density and larger containers for bulky items, effectively changing the handling characteristics to match the storage requirements
3Productivity
If the system is designed for high throughput with standardized containers, then productivity is increased, but flexibility to handle diverse item sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The load handler maintains high throughput by using automated adjustable grippers that can quickly reconfigure between different container sizes without manual intervention. The dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to switch between handling standard containers and larger items while maintaining automated operation speeds, preserving productivity across diverse container types
Data Source
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AI summary
An object handling system is provided. The object handling system comprises two substantially perpendicular sets of rails (22a, 22b) forming a grid above a plurality of stacks (12) of containers (10), the spacing of the perpendicular rails defining a grid spacing wherein the containers (10) have a footprint of a single grid spacing, wherein the stacks (12) comprising containers of a differing heights, a first portion of containers (10) having a first height, and a second portion of containers (10) having a height greater than the first portion of containers (10), the handling system further comprising a plurality of first robotic load handling devices (30) and at least one second robotic load handling device (50) operating on the grid above the stacks (12) of containers, the load handling devices (30, 50) comprising a body mounted on wheels, a first set of wheels being arranged to engage with at least two rails (22) of the first set of rails (22a), the second set of wheels being arranged to engage with at least two rails (22) of the second set of rails (22b), the first set of wheels adapted to be independently moveable and driveable with respect to the second set of wheels such that when in motion only one set of wheels is engaged with the grid at any one time thereby enabling movement of the load handling device (30, 50) along the rails to any point on the grid by driving only the set of wheels engaged with the rails (22), wherein the first load handling devices are adapted to lift only the first portion containers (10) and the plurality of first robotic load handling devices (30) and the at least one second robotic load handling device (50) occupy one grid spacing, and said at least one second robotic handling device (50) is adapted to lift and move containers of the first portion of containers (10) or the second portion of containers (10) within the stacks (12).