Transfer Device Dual-Surface Grip Mechanism for Irregular Packages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transfer apparatuses face challenges in automating the unloading of packed cardboard boxes, particularly in handling irregularly loaded packages without breaking or tilting them, due to insufficient grip strength and stability during lifting and movement.
Innovation Solution
A transfer apparatus with a grip mechanism that includes a first grip portion and a second grip portion, where the first grip portion grips the upper surface and the second grip portion grips a side surface, maintaining a specific angle to securely grasp and tilt the package, allowing for stable lifting and movement without breaking or dropping it.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single suction pad is used to grip the upper surface of the package, then the structure is simple, but the grip strength is insufficient and the package may break or tilt during lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism is segmented into multiple independent grip portions (first grip portion with first suction pad, second grip portion with second suction pad, and third grip portion with third suction pad). Each grip portion independently grips a different surface of the package, distributing the gripping force and preventing package breakage or tilting while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple grip portions are used to grip different surfaces of the package, then the grip stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism is divided into multiple grip portions that can independently adjust and grip different surfaces of the package. This segmentation allows stable gripping of irregularly shaped packages while keeping each individual grip portion relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Each grip portion is designed to be movable and adjustable, allowing the suction pads to adapt to different package shapes and sizes. The dynamic adjustment capability enhances grip stability for various package configurations without requiring a completely complex fixed-structure mechanism.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the grip mechanism only grips the upper surface of the package, then the structure is simple, but the package may tilt or break during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The grip mechanism uses multiple suction pads positioned at different locations and orientations to grip various surfaces of the package simultaneously. This distributed gripping approach prevents package tilting and breakage by distributing forces across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The grip mechanism extends gripping action from a single upper surface (one dimension) to multiple surfaces including side surfaces (adding another dimension). The suction pads are arranged to grip the package from different spatial dimensions, preventing tilting and providing stable support during transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a transfer apparatus includes an arm including a rotation fulcrum portion, and a grip mechanism connected to the rotation fulcrum portion and turnable around the rotation fulcrum portion. The grip mechanism includes a first grip portion which grips a first surface of a grip target object, and a second grip portion which grips a second surface crossing the first surface of the grip target object. The first grip portion includes a first pad including a first grip surface which grips the first surface, and a first support member which supports the first pad. The second grip portion includes a second pad including a second grip surface which grips the second surface, and a second support member which supports the second pad, moves the second pad in a direction crossing the second grip surface, and is connected to the rotation fulcrum portion together with the first support member.