Transfer Carrier System for High-Speed Object Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current robotic positioning systems face limitations in transfer speed due to the risk of objects falling, especially unstable ones like lightweight packaging, and occupy significant space, hindering efficient handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
A machine with a transfer conveyor system featuring independently controlled transfer carriers that receive objects from robotic collection means and deliver them to a second conveyor belt in a vertical position, allowing for increased speed and versatility without the need for continuous robotic accompaniment, and incorporating magnetic induction for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If objects are deposited directly on the outlet conveyor belt by the robot, then the transfer speed is reduced due to the risk of objects falling, but the process is simpler and uses less space
Solution Approach 1:
A transfer mechanism with support surfaces is introduced as an intermediary between the robot and the outlet conveyor belt. This support surface temporarily holds the object during transfer, allowing the robot to deposit the object at higher speeds without the object falling, while the support surface is subsequently retracted. This resolves the contradiction by enabling fast transfer through a controlled intermediary process rather than direct deposition.
Solution Approach 2:
The support surface is designed to be movable, transitioning from a positioned state during object transfer to a retracted state during normal operation. This dynamic element allows the system to adapt its complexity: simple direct transfer when the support is retracted, and complex supported transfer when the support is positioned, thereby resolving the speed-complexity contradiction.
2Speed
If objects are deposited directly on the outlet conveyor belt by the robot, then the space occupancy is reduced, but the transfer speed is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface moves in the vertical dimension (up and down) to provide support during transfer, rather than expanding the horizontal footprint of the system. This allows the machine to achieve faster transfer speeds through a vertically-moving support mechanism without significantly increasing the horizontal space occupancy, resolving the speed-space contradiction.
3Reliability
If the robot accompanies the object on the conveyor belt until speed matching, then object stability is maintained, but the transfer time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support surface is positioned in advance at the deposit location before the robot arrives with the object. This preliminary positioning allows the robot to deposit the object immediately at high speed onto the pre-positioned support, which then holds the object stable. The support surface remains in place long enough to ensure stability, then retracts. This eliminates the need for the robot to accompany the object for speed matching, resolving the stability-time contradiction.
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
This solution significantly enhances transfer speed and efficiency, enabling faster positioning of a diverse range of objects while reducing space occupancy and improving handling stability, especially for light and unstable items.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating magnetic induction for controlled movement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Machine and method for positioning objects. Said machine (1 ) comprises a first conveyor belt (2) configured to receive a plurality of objects (O); machine vision means (3) configured to identify the position and the shape of the objects (O); robotic collection means (4) configured to collect the objects (O) according to the information received from the machine vision means (3); and a second conveyor belt (5) configured to enable the outlet of said objects (O). The transfer conveyor (6) has transfer carriers (7, 7a, 7b, 7b) configured to move in a closed loop through it enabling the speed and position thereof to be controlled independently, where said transfer carriers (7, 7a, 7b, 7c) are configured to receive the objects (O) coming from the robotic collection means (4) and deliver said objects (O) to the second conveyor belt (5).