Robotic Arm Flipping Platform for Triangular Package Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems are inefficient and complex for packaging triangular prism-shaped items, such as triangular sandwiches, as they require multiple robots and actuators and are not adaptable to non-cuboid shapes like frustoconical yoghurt pots.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an infeed conveyor belt, a flipping platform, and a robotic arm that positions and rotates triangular prism-shaped packages to allow gripping from any side, enabling flexible and efficient filling of open-top boxes by forming sets and rotating them to expose different faces for packing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robots and actuators are used to package non-cuboid shapes, then packaging flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic arm is designed with interchangeable engagement means that can adapt to different package orientations and shapes. The system uses a single multi-functional robotic arm rather than multiple specialized robots, allowing it to handle both frustoconical yoghurt pots and triangular prism-shaped packages by changing its engagement configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The flipping platform dynamically changes the orientation of packages by rotating between first and second positions, exposing different faces for gripping. This dynamic repositioning allows the robotic arm to access packages from various orientations without requiring multiple fixed positioning systems or multiple robots
2Loss of substance
If packages are turned and placed according to a certain pattern, then empty space in the box is reduced, but packaging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flipping platform pre-positions packages in two possible orientations (first position with third face exposed, or second position with first face exposed) before the robotic arm picks them up. This preliminary orientation preparation allows the robotic arm to directly place packages in space-efficient patterns without requiring additional in-transit manipulation or multiple pickup attempts
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the orientation parameter of packages by 90 degrees through the flipping platform's rotation, transforming the exposed face from the third face to the first face (or vice versa). This parameter change enables the robotic arm to select the optimal orientation for minimizing empty space in the box while maintaining efficient packaging speed
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
According to an aspect, a system (102) is disclosed for filling an open top box (121) with triangular prism shaped packages (105 - 109) comprising a first (401), second (402) and third (403) face. The system further comprising an infeed conveyor belt (114) adapted to supply the packages towards a flipping platform (113). The system comprising also a flipping platform (113) adapted to be arranged in a first and second position. This platform supports a set of packages by its first face (401) and exposes its third face when in this first position and supports this set by its second face (402) and exposes its first face (401) when in this second position. The system further comprising a robotic arm (101) comprising engagement means (103) adapted to releasably pick the set (104) from the flipping platform by the third face when in the first position, and by the first face when in the second position.