Rotary Suspension Robot for Packaging Heavy Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots for packaging systems are limited by their inability to handle heavy loads and are restricted in their movement capabilities, particularly in terms of 3-dimensional movement and speed.

Innovation Solution

A robot for packaging systems featuring a suspension system with at least two stellated arms, a tool intake attached to the arms, and the ability to rotate around a suspension rotary axle, allowing for 3-dimensional movement and increased load capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a robot with gear unit and guide element is used for positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the robot can only move light loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidload capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gear unit and guide element system with a suspension system that uses gravitational force and geometric constraints to achieve positioning. The suspension system with two positioning arms creates a stable triangular structure that maintains positioning accuracy while enabling the robot to handle heavier loads by distributing weight through the suspension geometry rather than relying solely on mechanical guidance mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a 2-axis robot with rotational movement is used, then movement freedom is improved, but rapid movements are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovement freedomVSAvoidmovement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dynamic suspension system that can rapidly adjust its configuration. The suspension system with two positioning arms allows for quick repositioning by changing the geometric arrangement of the arms, enabling the robot to achieve both movement freedom and rapid movements. The system can transition between different operational modes by adjusting the suspension geometry, providing adaptability while maintaining high speed capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If positioning arms are moved in 3-dimensional motion field, then range of motion is improved, but the robot cannot accommodate large loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of motionVSAvoidload capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the positioning function into two separate positioning arms that work independently within a planar field of motion. Each positioning arm operates within a 2D plane, creating a stable and load-bearing structure. This segmentation allows the robot to achieve sufficient range of motion for packaging applications while maintaining the structural integrity needed to handle larger loads, as each arm can be optimized for its specific planar movement path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4552807A1Robot with a rotary suspension for a packaging plant

Publication Date: 2025.05.14 MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO KG

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AI summary

A robot (16, 17) comprises a suspension (20) and at least two positioning arms (21, 21'), each of which is articulated to the suspension (20). The robot (16, 17) further comprises a tool holder (23), which is articulated to the positioning arms (21, 21'). By moving the positioning arms (21, 21') relative to the suspension (20), the tool holder (23) can be moved along a linear tool holder movement axis (26) in a top view. The suspension (20) is rotatable about a suspension rotation axis (29).