Selective Article Handling Manipulator for Automated Warehouses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic warehouse systems are complex and delicate, limiting flexibility in handling articles of varying shapes, dimensions, and positions, and are prone to jams and impacts due to inadequate barrier systems.
Innovation Solution
A device with a manipulator and temporary support system, controlled by a module that precisely positions and transfers articles between a support plane and a tray, allowing flexible handling and adaptation to different article dimensions and positions, with independent pickup elements for secure grasping and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent doors are used as barriers, then access control to limited zones is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring movement means for each door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple independent door functions into a single barrier structure that can be controlled by one movement means. The barrier comprises a single movable element that can selectively cover different zones, eliminating the need for separate movement mechanisms for each door while maintaining access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The single barrier structure serves multiple functions: it can control access to different zones, adjust opening size and position, and protect various trays. This universal barrier replaces multiple specialized doors, reducing system complexity while maintaining operational flexibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fixed door arrangements are used, then structure stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as article dimension and position changes are not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is designed as a dynamic structure that can change its position, opening size, and coverage area. The single movable barrier can be positioned at different locations and adjusted to create openings of varying dimensions, allowing the system to adapt to different article configurations while maintaining structural stability through controlled movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable surfaces are used as barriers, then adaptability to different access zones is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex systems for moving surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple movable surface functions into a single barrier element. This single barrier can perform the work of multiple movable surfaces by adjusting its position and orientation, thereby reducing the number of movement systems required while maintaining adaptability to different access zones.
4Ease of operation
If lightweight barrier structures are used, then ease of movement is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient resistance to impacts and jams
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is constructed using composite materials or structures that combine light weight with high strength and impact resistance. This allows the barrier to be easily moved by a single movement mechanism while maintaining sufficient durability to withstand impacts from articles and resist jamming during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for selectively picking up and depositing articles to an automatic warehouse, comprising: a support plane (2), for the temporary support of an article (A); a temporary support (3), for the temporary support of a tray (V) intended to contain a predetermined number of articles (A); a manipulator (4,5), structured to grasp and release an article (A) and to translate the article (A) between the support plane (2) and the temporary support (3). The manipulator (4,5) comprises a first pickup element (4) and a second pickup element (5), movable independently of each other along a transverse direction (Y).