Tubular Housing Transfer with Suction Alignment for Precise Tray Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The automated transfer of tubular housings for filtration and/or diffusion devices, such as capillary dialyzers or ultrafilters, is hindered by displacement during transport due to vibrations or centrifugal forces, necessitating manual handling and preventing the use of automated devices.
Innovation Solution
A transfer device with independently movable receptacles featuring suction cups and pneumatic cylinders, capable of aligning and securing tubular housings, and a work piece tray with interchangeable holders and pneumatic mechanisms to align and position housings accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If housings are transported in a box, then productivity is improved by batch transport, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to displacement from vibrations and centrifugal forces
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary positioning of housings using suction cups and positioning elements before the automated picking operation, ensuring that even if housings shift during transport, they are realigned to correct positions prior to being picked by the robotic arm
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary positioning mechanism between the transport box and the automated picking device. This intermediary system includes positioning elements and suction cups that temporarily hold and realign housings, acting as a mediator that resolves the position accuracy issue before the final picking operation
2Productivity
If automated transfer devices are used, then labor costs are reduced and productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to handle displaced housings
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities where the robotic arm can adapt its picking positions and the positioning mechanism can adjust to accommodate housings that have shifted during transport, making the automated system flexible enough to handle variable conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect the actual positions of housings in the transport box and provides feedback to the control system, which then adjusts the robotic arm's picking path and positioning mechanism accordingly, ensuring reliable operation even when housings are displaced
3Reliability
If manual handling is used, then reliability is improved by flexible adaptation to displaced housings, but productivity deteriorates due to labor-intensive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning mechanism operates autonomously to realign housings without human intervention, using suction cups and positioning elements that automatically adjust to housing positions, providing the flexibility of manual handling with the speed of automation
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
Enables the automated and precise transfer of tubular housings onto a work piece tray, correcting misalignments and ensuring consistent positioning for further processing, thereby reducing manual labor and enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Each cylindrical half shell features a suction cup in its cavity. The suction cup is configured to aspirate a tubular housing and attach itself to the outer surface of the housing, fastening the housing in the cavity of the cylindrical half shell.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to devices and processes for the automated transfer of tubular housings used for the manufacture of filtration and/or diffusion devices, e.g., capillary dialyzers or ultrafilters.