Robotic Stack Handling with Selective Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual handling of stacks of printed products is labor-intensive and prone to strain, while existing automated systems lack efficiency in selectively turning and depositing stacks in a turned or unturned arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a robot with an articulated arm and gripper to selectively turn and deposit stacks of printed products at predefined positions, allowing for automated movement and deposition in a turned or unturned configuration, with the option to sag the stack diagonally for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling is used to transport stacks of products, then flexibility in deposition arrangement is maintained, but labor intensity and physical strain increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service handling where the robotic apparatus independently performs gripping, transporting, and deposition of product stacks according to predefined schemes, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements variable deposition parameters including different deposition positions, orientations (turned/unturned), and stacking patterns that can be programmatically adjusted, allowing the automated system to match the flexibility previously requiring manual operation
2Productivity
If existing automated systems are used to move stacks, then automation is achieved, but efficiency in selective turning and deposition is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic apparatus employs dynamic control capabilities to selectively turn stacks based on deposition position requirements, adjusting orientation and positioning in real-time during the handling process, which significantly improves deposition efficiency compared to static automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the handling process into discrete controllable steps (gripping, transporting, selective turning, deposition) that can be independently optimized and controlled, allowing for more efficient and flexible automated operation
3Manufacturing precision
If stacks are deposited without selective turning, then handling process is simplified, but deposition flexibility and precision are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates control mechanisms that respond to deposition position requirements, selectively activating turning operations based on the target position and orientation needs, thereby achieving precise deposition without unnecessarily complicating the handling process
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic apparatus pre-calculates and prepares the appropriate orientation and position before deposition, performing selective turning in advance when needed, which ensures precise deposition without adding complexity to the actual placement operation
Data Source
AI summary
A stack of products is moved with a robot which has an articulated arm and at least one gripper disposed on the articulated arm to grip the stack of products. The stack of products can be selectively turned. The step of moving terminates at a selected deposit location of a number of deposit positions of a predefined deposit scheme. The stacks of products are moved in an automated way and, in particular, the stacks are deposited in a turned or unturned arrangement.