Robotic Manipulator Integrating Marking Module for Simultaneous Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic systems for object manipulation and marking lack efficiency and flexibility, requiring separate processes for pick and place operations and marking, which increases time and labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A combined robotic and indicia marking system that integrates a robotic arm with end effectors, marking modules, and a control unit to perform simultaneous or sequential pick and place and marking operations, allowing marking at any point prior, during, or after the pick and place process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate processes are used for pick and place operations and marking, then each process can be optimized independently, but the overall system efficiency decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the robotic pick and place system with the marking system into a single integrated apparatus. The robotic arm performs both manipulation tasks and marking operations without requiring separate processes, thereby improving overall system efficiency while managing integration complexity through unified control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both pick and place operations and marking operations. The end effector can be configured with different tools (grippers for manipulation, marking modules for labeling) to execute diverse tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems and improving productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If marking operations are performed separately from pick and place operations, then marking quality can be optimized, but the total processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous operation by performing marking operations during the pick and place process rather than as separate sequential steps. The robotic arm can mark an item while holding it or during transit between locations, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous productive action without compromising marking quality through precise positioning control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows marking to be performed at any point prior to, during, or after the pick and place operation based on process requirements. This flexibility enables preliminary marking before manipulation if needed, or immediate marking during the operation, optimizing both time efficiency and marking quality according to specific application needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed marking position is used, then the marking process is simple, but the system cannot accommodate items of varying sizes and positions
Solution Approach 1:
The marking position is made dynamic rather than fixed. The robotic arm can adjust the marking position and orientation based on the size, shape, and orientation of each item being processed. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to accommodate varying items while maintaining marking quality through real-time coordinate transformation and positioning control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple marking methods are integrated into one system, then flexibility increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with universal end effectors that can be configured with different marking modules (inkjet printers, laser markers, stampers, etc.). This multi-functional design allows the same robotic platform to perform various marking methods on different item types, providing flexibility while managing complexity through standardized interfaces and unified control software.
Data Source
AI summary
A combined manipulation and marking system for any type of goods, including a robotic manipulator having a numerically controlled arm with an end-effector for grasping and manipulating each of the goods between an incoming location and an outgoing location. A module is provided for marking the goods during manipulation thereof between the incoming and outgoing locations.