Spring-Loaded Object Collecting Heads for Gentle Grasping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing object collecting systems often damage fragile objects during collection and struggle to grasp and convey differently sized and randomly shaped objects from a surface to an object holding bin effectively.

Innovation Solution

The development of light-duty and heavy-duty object collecting heads with adjustable support assemblies and grasping mechanisms, including chain-based and roller-based designs, that can be attached to a wheeled base for mobility and controlled by an operation station assembly, allowing for precise positioning and gentle handling of objects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional object collecting systems use rigid grasping mechanisms, then they can effectively grasp and transport objects, but they cause damage to fragile objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject collection efficiencyVSAvoidobject damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from rigid mechanical grasping to a flexible robotic arm with controllable degrees of freedom. The robotic arm can adjust its motion parameters (speed, acceleration, grasp force) to handle fragile objects gently while maintaining collection efficiency. The spring-loaded hinge mechanism also demonstrates parameter changes by allowing dynamic adjustment of block positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional rigid mechanical grasping mechanisms with a robotic arm system that uses controlled motion and positioning. The robotic arm substitutes direct mechanical contact with a more sophisticated control system that can adapt to different object types, reducing damage while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If object collecting systems use fixed grasping mechanisms, then they can handle specific object types, but they cannot grasp and convey differently sized and randomly shaped objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject size and shape adaptabilityVSAvoidcollecting head structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the upper block movable relative to the lower blocks through spring-loaded hinges. This dynamic configuration allows the collecting head to adapt its shape and size to match different objects being collected. The movable upper block can adjust its position to accommodate varying object dimensions and shapes, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The collecting head is segmented into multiple blocks (upper block and lower blocks) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each block to be positioned optimally for different object types, enabling the system to handle differently sized and shaped objects while keeping the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If object collecting heads use fixed positioning, then they can maintain stable operation, but they cannot adjust to different object positions and orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded hinge mechanism provides dynamic positioning capability, allowing the upper block to adjust its position and orientation based on the object being collected. This dynamic adjustment maintains system stability by allowing the mechanism to adapt to varying conditions while preserving the overall structural integrity and operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the safe and efficient collection and transportation of variously sized and shaped objects by providing a gentle grasp and adjustable positioning, reducing damage and improving handling capabilities compared to previous systems.

Implementation Method 1

The upper block is attached to one of the lower blocks by spring-loaded hinges, such that the upper block is urged toward the lower blocks to grasp an object therebetween.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring-loaded mechanism: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11745963B1Object collecting heads for object collecting systems

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 CUI KAN

AI summary

The object collecting heads for object collecting systems includes several embodiments of object collecting heads including light and heavy-duty object collecting heads. The object collecting heads are used to grasp and convey differently sized and randomly shaped objects from a surface to an object holding bin of the object collecting system and are attached to the object holding bin using an adjustable support assembly. Both object collecting heads have three blocks including an upper block, a lower left block, and a lower right block. The lower blocks are connected to each other and the adjustable support assembly by an angled lower block bracket. The upper block is attached to the lower blocks by spring-loaded hinges, such that the upper block is urged toward the lower blocks to grasp an object therebetween. The light-duty object collecting head is a chain-based head, while the heavy-duty object collecting head is a roller-based head.