Suction-Cup Gripper Robot With Integrated Camera for Parcel Sorting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parcel sorting systems require manual intervention to ensure sorting information is visible on the top face of parcels, leading to reduced sorting efficiency due to non-ergonomic repetitive tasks.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a second camera integrated into the gripper robot's palm to detect sorting information on the gripping face of parcels before picking them up, and a control-and-monitoring unit to automatically turn parcels over if necessary, ensuring the sorting information is visible on the top face during conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual turning of parcels is performed to ensure sorting information visibility, then sorting accuracy is improved, but sorting speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sorting information visibility using a camera before the parcel reaches the sorting point. The camera captures an image of the parcel's top face, and the control unit analyzes whether sorting information is visible. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine the need for turning without manual intervention, maintaining both accuracy and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical turning operation with an automated system consisting of a camera, control unit, and conveyor control. Instead of manual labor to turn parcels, the system uses optical detection and automated conveyor control to achieve the same sorting accuracy while eliminating the speed penalty associated with manual operations.
2Extent of automation
If a camera is added to detect sorting information on parcel tops, then automation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it detects the presence of sorting information on parcel tops, determines visibility conditions, and triggers appropriate actions (direct sorting or turning). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving high automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera acts as an intermediary between the physical parcel and the control system. It captures visual information and converts it into data that the control unit can process, enabling automated decision-making without requiring direct mechanical interaction with each parcel. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system architecture compared to direct mechanical detection methods.
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
Enhances sorting efficiency by eliminating the need for manual parcel turning, reducing process time and space requirements, and optimizing the sorting process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup gripper robot comprising a gripper hand with a palm from which suction cups extend so as to grasp by suction said parcel to be separated
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for feeding unsorted parcels (1) conveyed on a feed conveyor onto a sorting conveyor, wherein a first camera arranged above the feed conveyor forms a digital image of the unsorted parcels, a control-and-monitoring unit identifies a parcel to be separated, which parcel has a gripping face at the top of same which is not covered by any other parcel in the digital image of the unsorted parcels, the control-and-monitoring unit being configured to servo-control a gripper robot (6), which comprises a gripper hand (9) with a palm (10) from which suction cups (11) extend, so as to pick up the parcel to be separated identified in the digital image and deposit it on the sorting conveyor.