Robotic Partitioning System with Buffer Area for Item Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic systems face challenges in efficiently partitioning items into predefined parts, particularly in dynamic environments where items need to be sorted and transferred based on specific criteria, often relying on manual intervention or simplistic sorting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system comprising a frame, a buffer area, and an end-effector movable to the buffer area, controlled by a processor that executes instructions to grasp, identify, and transfer items according to defined partitions, using a conveyor to move items and direct transfers between buffer areas and containers, enabling sequential partitioning and sorting of items into multiple parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sorting mechanisms are used to partition items, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system autonomously performs item identification, sorting, and partitioning operations without human intervention. The processor automatically directs the end-effector to grasp and transfer items based on predefined partition criteria, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for manual sorting while significantly increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical sorting operations with an automated robotic system comprising a processor, end-effector, and conveyor. The processor executes instructions to intelligently direct the end-effector in grasping and transferring items, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems that achieve both ease of operation and high productivity
2Device complexity
If simplistic sorting mechanisms are used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system divides the sorting process into distinct functional segments: item identification by the processor, grasping by the end-effector, and transfer operations. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with high precision while keeping individual component complexity manageable, achieving accurate partitioning without requiring overly complex integrated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives item information, determines partition criteria, and generates directional instructions for the end-effector. This intermediary layer enables precise sorting decisions without requiring the end-effector itself to be overly complex, as the computational intelligence is separated from the mechanical execution components
3Productivity
If automated robotic systems are implemented for item partitioning, then productivity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system employs a universal end-effector that can grasp and transfer various types of items, and a processor that handles multiple partitioning criteria and item types. This multi-functionality allows a single integrated system to perform diverse sorting operations, improving productivity across different applications while avoiding the need for multiple specialized devices that would increase overall complexity
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, a conveyor, a buffer area proximate to the end-effector and overlying at least a part of the conveyor. Coupled to the at least one processor is the end-effector, the conveyor, 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 predefined parts per a defined partition for the plurality of items. Items in the two or more parts are placed in the buffer area, transferred to the conveyor, and may be transferred to a plurality of containers. A method of operation of a system including at least one processor and a robot substantially as described and illustrated herein.