Swing Arm Manipulator With Rotatable Extensions Against Object Trapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing arm manipulators in additive manufacturing (AM) facilities face issues with handling diverse object shapes and materials, leading to objects getting stuck due to conveyor belt bulging and friction, which disrupts production lines and can damage objects.
Innovation Solution
A swing arm manipulator with a hollow elongate body and rotatable extension parts that adapt to conveyor belt height deviations, using gravitational forces to maintain contact and prevent object trapping, and an actuator system for controlled object handling based on object recognition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional swing arm manipulator is used with a flat conveyor belt surface, then the swing arm can operate with minimal friction, but objects with small extensions frequently get stuck between the swing arm and the conveyor belt surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by using a flexible conveyor belt surface that can deform to accommodate objects of various shapes and sizes. The belt surface acts as a flexible element that adapts to the object geometry, preventing small objects from getting trapped between the swing arm and a rigid flat surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing the conveyor belt surface to dynamically deform and adapt its shape based on the objects being transported. This dynamic surface adjustment ensures continuous contact with objects of varying geometries, eliminating the trapping issue while maintaining smooth swing arm operation.
2Ease of operation
If tolerance is increased between the conveyor belt and swing arm to reduce friction, then the swing arm operates more freely, but smaller objects or objects with small extensions get stuck between the swing arm and conveyor belt surface
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible conveyor belt surface compensates for the increased tolerance gap by deforming to maintain contact with small objects. This flexible surface acts as an adaptive interface that fills the tolerance gap dynamically, preventing object trapping while allowing the swing arm to move freely with reduced friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the conveyor belt surface from rigid to flexible, allowing it to dynamically adjust its parameters (shape, contact pressure) to accommodate objects of all sizes. This parameter change enables the system to maintain both operational freedom and object safety.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor belt surface is made flexible to adapt to object shapes, then objects of diverse shapes can be handled without getting stuck, but the conveyor belt requires more frequent replacement due to wear and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible conveyor belt surface that can deform to accommodate diverse object shapes, providing universal handling capability. The flexible nature allows the belt to adapt to any object geometry without requiring frequent replacement, as the deformation is elastic and reversible.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible conveyor belt surface serves itself by automatically adapting its shape to match the objects being transported. This self-adjusting capability eliminates the need for frequent manual intervention or replacement, as the belt naturally conforms to diverse object shapes without external assistance.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If a rigid conveyor belt surface is used, then the conveyor belt has longer service life, but objects with small extensions frequently get trapped between the swing arm and conveyor belt surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the rigid conveyor belt into a flexible surface that can adapt to diverse object geometries. This flexible surface maintains durability while gaining adaptability, as the flexibility allows it to conform to objects of any shape without compromising its structural integrity or service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The conveyor belt transitions from a static rigid surface to a dynamic flexible surface that can change its shape in response to different objects. This dynamic adaptation enables the belt to handle diverse object geometries effectively while maintaining its durability through elastic deformation rather than permanent damage.
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 effectively prevents object trapping and ensures smooth operation by adapting to conveyor belt irregularities, reducing maintenance and enhancing production efficiency in AM facilities.
Implementation Method 1
using gravitational forces to maintain contact and prevent object trapping
Data Source
AI summary
An improved swing arm manipulator is provided for displacing objects on an object carrier surface of an object carrier. The swing arm manipulator includes a swing arm rotatable around a rotation axis transverse to the object carrier surface. The swing arm includes a hollow elongate body and at least one extension part. The at least one extension part has an at least substantially cylindrical portion with which it is rotatably arranged in a hollow inner space of the hollow elongate body and has an at least substantially wedge shaped portion connected thereto, that extends towards the object carrier surface at an angle with respect to a surface normal of the object carrier surface. The improved swing arm manipulator is better arranged to manipulate objects of various sizes, while mitigating the risk that objects get stuck and/or are damaged.