Tilting Rod End Effector for Unloading Irregular Cargo Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for unloading cargo rely heavily on manual labor, which is demanding and inefficient, especially when dealing with irregularly loaded and misaligned cargo units.
Innovation Solution
A robot device with a tiltable rod mechanism that can be freely coupled to a body plate, allowing insertion into gaps between cargo items, and a processor-controlled end effector for precise cargo unloading, even with non-uniform sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor is used for unloading cargo, then flexibility in handling irregular cargo is maintained, but labor intensity and inefficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The rod is designed with free coupling capability to the body plate, allowing it to automatically tilt and adapt to irregular cargo surfaces without requiring precise control or adjustment mechanisms. The rod self-adjusts its position based on the cargo geometry, enabling automated handling while maintaining flexibility for irregular shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The rod's coupling state with the body plate is changed from fixed to variable, allowing it to tilt at different angles depending on the cargo configuration. This parameter change enables the robotic system to handle irregular cargo effectively while automating the unloading process
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed rod structure is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to irregular cargo gaps is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rod coupling mechanism is segmented into independent components: the rod itself, the body plate with groove, and the free coupling interface. This segmentation allows each component to function independently while providing overall adaptability to irregular cargo configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The rod coupling is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing the rod to tilt and adjust its position relative to the body plate. This dynamic coupling enables the system to adapt to various cargo gap sizes and shapes without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms
3Reliability
If the rod is rigidly coupled to the body plate, then structural stability is improved, but damage to device or cargo during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The free coupling mechanism acts as a cushioning element between the rod and body plate, allowing relative movement and absorbing shocks during operation. This prevents rigid transmission of forces that could damage either the device components or the cargo being handled
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface between the rod and body plate provides flexibility similar to a flexible connection, allowing the rod to tilt and adjust its position without rigid constraints. This flexibility protects both the device and cargo from damage while maintaining operational reliability
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 robot device effectively unloads cargo by sweeping through gaps between items, preventing damage to the device and cargo while handling irregular loads, enhancing efficiency and reducing manual labor requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the rod may be provided as a plurality of rods, and tilting of each of the rods may be mutually independent... the rod is configured to be variably tilted with respect to the body plate... Coupling between the rod and the body plate may be a direct or indirect free coupling and may be configured to be tilted by gravity or an external force
Data Source
AI summary
An effector includes a body plate and at least one rod coupled to the body plate. The at least one rod is configured to be variably tilted with respect to the body plate. A robot device includes an end effector, a joint arm coupled to the end effector and configured to move the end effector, and a processor configured to execute a program stored in a memory so as to control movement of the end effector. The processor acquires cargo image information, controls the joint arm to perform a first movement so as to move the end effector above a cargo elevation, controls the joint arm to perform a second movement so as to move the end effector downward after the first movement, and controls the joint arm to perform a third movement so as to retract the end effector after the second movement.