Sensor-Guided End Gripping for Lifting Random Elongated Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting systems for elongated objects are inadequate for safely handling objects with insufficient surface contact area or random positions, particularly when they are non-magnetic and bundled, as they require specific conditions for operation and pose safety hazards for manual handling.

Innovation Solution

A lifting system equipped with a sensor device to identify the object's position and a lifting and rotating device with a gripping arm that can insert into the object from one end, rotate it to the correct position, and lift it, regardless of material or cross-sectional profile, using a control unit to coordinate the movement and potentially aided by a wrap removing device for bundled objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction pads are used to lift elongated objects, then lifting capability is improved, but the object requires sufficient surface contact area and correct position which limits versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidobject position and material compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The lifting system divides the gripping function into multiple independent gripping arms (first gripping arm and second gripping arm) that can operate independently. Each arm can be positioned and oriented separately to adapt to different object geometries, materials, and positions, resolving the contradiction between reliable lifting and versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping arms are designed with dynamic positioning and rotating capabilities, allowing them to adapt their position and orientation based on the detected object characteristics. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to handle objects with varying positions, shapes, and materials while maintaining reliable lifting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If magnets are used to lift elongated objects, then lifting capability is improved, but only magnetic materials can be handled which reduces versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidmaterial compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping arms are designed with universal functionality to handle various materials including magnetic and non-magnetic objects. By using mechanical gripping rather than magnetic attraction, the system achieves material-agnostic lifting capability while maintaining reliability through adaptive positioning and force control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If grab bridge cranes are used to lift elongated objects, then lifting capability is improved, but selecting individual objects from bundles becomes difficult reducing ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidobject selection from bundle

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a sensor device that provides feedback about the position, orientation, and characteristics of objects in the bundle. This feedback enables the control unit to identify and select specific individual objects from the bundle, making object selection straightforward while maintaining reliable lifting capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical selection with automated sensor-based detection and control. The sensor device and control unit work together to automatically identify and select individual objects from bundles, eliminating the difficulty of manual object selection while preserving lifting reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If manual lifting is used for elongated objects, then flexibility is improved, but safety hazards increase due to repetitive movements and sharp edges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling flexibilityVSAvoidsafety hazards to operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service operation where the gripping arms automatically position themselves and adjust to handle objects without human intervention. This automation eliminates operator exposure to safety hazards while maintaining the flexibility needed for handling various elongated objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical handling with automated mechanical gripping arms controlled by sensors and control units. This substitution eliminates direct human contact with potentially hazardous objects while preserving the adaptability needed for flexible object handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10926979B2Lifting system for elongated objects

Publication Date: 2021.02.23 AHTONEN KAUKO

AI summary

The invention relates to a lifting system for lifting elongated objects, comprising a sensor device arranged to identify position and location of an elongated object, a lifting and rotating device, and a control unit for controlling the movement of the lifting and rotating device in response to signals from the sensor device which indicate the position and location of the object. In order to lift elongated objects regardless of object's material, profile or position, the lifting and rotating device is provided with an elongated gripping device including a first gripping arm, and the control unit is configured to control the lifting and rotating device to insert a part of the first gripping arm into the object from one end of the object in order to lift and rotate the object with the inserted part.