Suspended Dual-Robot Package Handling for Mixed Container Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic unloading systems are limited in speed and precision when handling a mix of differently sized or shaped packages, necessitating improvements for enhanced adaptability and efficiency in containerized shipping.
Innovation Solution
An arrangement comprising at least two robot arms, an arm suspension frame, a conveyor system, and a supporting system, with a control unit that individually controls each arm to collaborate or move packages independently, utilizing grippers and vision/radar systems for precise handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single robotic arm is used for unloading packages, then the system structure is simple, but the speed and precision are limited when handling mixed packages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple robotic arms (at least two) into a single coordinated system. The control unit synchronizes the movements of multiple robot arms to work together on the same package or divide tasks, thereby increasing unloading speed and handling capability for mixed packages while maintaining integrated system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is designed with multiple robot arms that can perform various functions: individual arms can handle different package types, arms can collaborate on heavy packages, and the system adapts to different package configurations. This multi-functionality increases productivity across diverse shipping scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If robot arms are mounted at ground level, then installation is simple, but access to packages inside closed volumes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting robot arms at ground level and having them reach upward, the patent inverts the mounting approach by suspending robot arms from an overhead arm suspension frame. This allows the robot arms to reach downward into closed volumes like shipping containers, dramatically improving access to packages stacked on pallets or arranged in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from ground-level (horizontal plane) mounting to overhead (vertical plane) suspension. The arm suspension frame hangs from above, allowing robot arms to operate in the vertical dimension and reach into the depth of closed volumes, providing three-dimensional access to packages that ground-level systems cannot reach.
3Productivity
If robot arms operate independently, then control is simple, but collaboration on heavy or challenging packages is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives feedback from sensors and vision systems about package characteristics (weight, size, shape, position) and dynamically adjusts the coordination between robot arms. This feedback mechanism enables the system to determine when collaboration is needed and how to distribute the lifting and handling tasks among multiple arms for optimal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on package characteristics. The control unit can switch between independent arm operation for simple packages and coordinated collaboration for heavy or challenging packages. The system's behavior is not fixed but dynamically adjusted to match the specific handling requirements of each package.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an arrangement for unloading and/or loading packages from/to a transport container. The arrangement comprises at least two robot arms; an arm suspension frame configured to support the at least two robot arms; a conveyor arrangement; and a supporting system connected to the arm suspension frame. The supporting system allow the arm suspension frame to be moved in and out of the transport container. The two robot arms move packages between the transport container and the conveyor arrangement. The arrangement further comprises a control unit configured to selectively individually control the movement such that said at least two robot arms move individual packages, or to individually control the movement such that said robot arms collaborate when moving one package. The present disclosure further relates to a method and use of the arrangement.