Suction Hand Rotation for Parcel Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing picking and postmarking systems face challenges in saving space and increasing efficiency, particularly in turning over parcels for proper orientation during transport.

Innovation Solution

A picking system equipped with a suction device, a moving device capable of rotating the suction hand, and a control device that uses image capture to determine the need for turning over parcels, allowing for efficient orientation and transport of parcels from a placing section to a transport position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate turning over device is added to the conveyor system, then the parcel can be turned over for proper orientation, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparcel orientation capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The turning over function is merged with the conveyor device by integrating a rotating mechanism into the existing conveyor structure. The rotating mechanism allows the conveyor to rotate the suction hand and parcel around a vertical axis, enabling orientation changes without requiring a separate dedicated turning device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor device is designed to perform multiple functions: both transporting the parcel and rotating it for proper orientation. By making the conveyor multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a separate turning over device is added to the conveyor system, then the parcel can be turned over for proper orientation, but the space required for the system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparcel orientation capabilityVSAvoidsystem footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The turning over function is merged with the conveyor device by integrating a rotating mechanism into the existing conveyor structure. The rotating mechanism allows the conveyor to rotate the suction hand and parcel around a vertical axis, enabling orientation changes without requiring a separate dedicated turning device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conveyor device is designed to perform multiple functions: both transporting the parcel and rotating it for proper orientation. By making the conveyor multi-functional, the system eliminates the need for separate specialized devices for each function, thereby reducing overall system complexity and space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If the suction hand is rotated to an inclined orientation for turning over, then the parcel can be properly oriented, but the moving device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparcel turning over capabilityVSAvoidmoving device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction hand is designed with dynamic rotating capabilities, allowing it to change its orientation from vertical to inclined positions. The rotating mechanism enables the suction hand to rotate around a vertical axis and incline at appropriate angles, providing the necessary motion flexibility for parcel turning over operations.

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

The system effectively saves space by integrating turning over functionality into the conveyor device, improving operational efficiency and reducing the need for separate turning over devices, ensuring parcels are oriented correctly for transport.

Implementation Method 1

a suction unit configured to suction a transport target article by negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3705243B1Picking system
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3705243B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3705243B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3705243B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A canceling system is offered that can save space and improve efficiency. According to the present embodiment, a picking system includes a suction device including a suction hand, a moving device and a control device. The moving device includes a turning-over section configured to rotate the suction hand around an axis in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a gravity direction, from an orientation in which the suction unit faces down along the gravity direction and a suction surface of the suction unit intersects the gravity direction. The control device determined that the transport target article needs to be moved to the transport target position with a front side and back side of the transport target article turned over, the control device causes the suction unit to suction the transport target article, the moving device to transport the transport target article to a position above the transport target position, the turning-over section to set the suction hand to an orientation in which the transport target article is positioned above the suction unit and a direction substantially orthogonal to the suction surface is inclined with respect to the gravity direction, and the suction unit to release the suction of the transport target article.