Robotic systems and methods for conveyance of items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic conveyance systems in assembly lines are inefficient and costly, requiring significant physical space, posing risks to humans, and failing to maintain recipe consistency due to limited measurement capabilities, especially in the food industry.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system with a hub assembly rotatable about a vertical axis and a robotic arm with an end effector that allows for efficient item conveyance and operation without obstructing human or robotic agents, enabling flexible movement and accurate measurement through additional degrees of freedom and sensing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing robotic conveyance systems are used, then item transport can be automated, but significant physical space is required and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is positioned within or adjacent to the hub assembly structure, allowing the conveyance system to utilize the vertical space and structural envelope of the hub rather than requiring separate horizontal space for the robotic component. This nesting approach enables automated item transport while minimizing the overall footprint of the assembly line system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional horizontal conveyor belts to a vertical hub assembly with a robotic arm that operates in three-dimensional space. Items are conveyed radially outward from the hub assembly to different stations, utilizing vertical and radial dimensions rather than only horizontal linear motion, thereby reducing the physical area required for the conveyance system.
2Productivity
If traditional conveyance mechanisms are used, then items can be transported, but risks to human workers increase due to heavy or unwieldy items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human manual handling of heavy or unwieldy items with an automated robotic arm system. The robotic arm, controlled by a hub assembly, performs the mechanical lifting, carrying, and positioning of items that would otherwise require human workers, thereby eliminating the physical risks associated with handling such items while maintaining productive item transport capability.
3Extent of automation
If pick and place mechanisms are used for food assembly, then automation is achieved, but measurement capabilities are limited and recipe consistency cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The hub assembly incorporates measurement sensors that provide feedback on item characteristics such as mass, position, or other relevant parameters. This feedback enables the automated system to verify that the correct ingredients are being assembled with appropriate quantities, ensuring recipe consistency while maintaining automation. The measurement data can be used for quality control and process optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system includes a hub assembly rotatable about a vertical axis. A robotic arm has a first end connected to the hub assembly and an opposite second end connected to an end effector, which is configured for holding an item. The system is configured to support an agent on or above the hub assembly for working on the item held by the end effector. The operation of the robotic arm and end effector to move the item does not obstruct operation of the agent.