Robotized Handling Assembly with Movable Jaws

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current automated systems for handling packages, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, face challenges in flexibility and adaptability when shaping packages from flattened configurations due to their rigid design and inability to handle packages of different formats and orientations efficiently, leading to high investment costs and precision errors.

Innovation Solution

A robotized handling assembly featuring an automated handling head with movable jaws and suction gripping members, capable of adjusting to package size and shape, and equipped with rotating levers to shape packages from flattened cardboard, allowing operation from either edge and accommodating various formats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid automated system design is used for shaping packages, then the system structure is simple and stable, but the system lacks flexibility to handle packages of different formats and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to handle different package formatsVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements movable jaws that can adjust their position and orientation dynamically. The jaw unit includes at least one movable jaw that can be positioned at different locations and angles to accommodate packages of various formats and orientations, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different handling requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handling assembly is designed with universal capabilities to handle multiple package formats and orientations using the same basic structure. By combining movable jaws with adjustable positioning mechanisms, the system can perform shaping operations on packages regardless of their specific dimensions or orientation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system is designed to handle packages of various formats, then versatility improves, but the system requires frequent modifications and calibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveversatility for different package formatsVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movable jaw mechanism allows rapid reconfiguration of the handling assembly for different package formats without requiring physical modifications or extensive calibration. The jaws can be repositioned dynamically to match the dimensions and orientation of various package types, reducing setup time and maintaining precision across different formats

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If standard fixed-position jaws are used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate packages with different sizes and shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to package size and shapeVSAvoidjaw mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The jaw unit incorporates movable jaws that can be positioned at different locations and orientations according to the package dimensions and shape. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same jaw mechanism to handle various package formats without requiring multiple fixed jaw sets

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The handling assembly is segmented into modular components, with the jaw unit being a distinct module that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the jaw mechanism to be reconfigured for different package types while keeping the rest of the system unchanged

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If the system operates on packages with fixed orientation, then precision is maintained, but flexibility to handle different orientations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandling capability for different orientationsVSAvoidshaping precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The movable jaw can be oriented at different angles and positions to match the orientation of the package being handled. This dynamic orientation capability allows the system to maintain shaping precision regardless of the package's initial orientation, eliminating the need to enforce fixed package orientation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution provides a flexible and versatile handling system that can efficiently shape packages of different formats and orientations, reducing the need for multiple systems and minimizing calibration errors, thus lowering costs and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one suction gripping member (22) which picks up and holds the piece of flattened cardboard

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3930969B1Robotized handling assembly
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 IMA IND MASCH AUTOMATICHE SPA
  • EP3930969B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3930969B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3930969B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Robotized handling assembly for handling objects (100), comprising an automated handling head (11) connected to an attachment mandrel (12) and provided with a jaw unit (13) that has at least two opposite handling jaws (14, 15), each of which is equipped with at least one lever (16) which can be driven pneumatically in rotation, and suction gripping members (22). The handling head (11) also comprises movement means (17) configured to selectively move said handling jaws (14, 15) with respect to each other.