Twistlock Clamping Assembly for Multi-Type Robotic Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots for automated twistlock handling are limited in versatility due to the need for frequent clamping component changes and high costs associated with quick-change equipment, as they cannot efficiently operate the diverse types of twistlocks used in container handling, leading to inefficiencies and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a clamping assembly featuring multiple pairs of clamping portions spaced apart by different distances and an operating assembly with translating and rotating mechanisms, along with a switch operating assembly, allowing the apparatus to adapt to various twistlock types without changing clamping components, enhancing flexibility and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot uses a single type of clamping component to handle twistlocks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different twistlock types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is segmented into multiple pairs of clamping portions (first pair, second pair, third pair) with different spacing configurations. Each pair can be independently positioned to engage with different types of twistlocks, allowing the system to handle various twistlock geometries without requiring complete component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple pairs of clamping portions that can engage with different twistlock types. This universal design allows a single clamping assembly to perform multiple functions - handling manual twistlocks, semi-automatic twistlocks, and fully automatic twistlocks - thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robot frequently changes clamping components to handle different twistlock types, then the adaptability improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to time loss
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping assembly is pre-configured with multiple pairs of clamping portions at different spacing arrangements before operation begins. This preliminary preparation allows the robot to immediately engage the appropriate clamping portions for different twistlock types without stopping to change components, thereby maintaining high productivity while achieving full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly incorporates dynamic positioning capability where the multiple pairs of clamping portions can be selectively activated and positioned based on the detected twistlock type. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different twistlock configurations in real-time during operation, eliminating the need for frequent component changes and maintaining continuous productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the robot is equipped with quick-change equipment for clamping components, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality of multiple separate clamping components is merged into a single integrated clamping assembly that contains multiple pairs of clamping portions. This merging eliminates the need for complex quick-change equipment and multiple separate components, achieving adaptability through integration rather than through component multiplication and rapid exchange mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping assembly is designed as a universal component that can handle all twistlock types through its multiple built-in pairs of clamping portions. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized quick-change equipment, as the single multi-functional assembly replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components and complex changeover mechanisms.
4Reliability
If manual operation of twistlocks is performed, then the device complexity is minimized, but the safety deteriorates due to dangerous work conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The automated twistlock handling system performs the dangerous manual operations itself, allowing human workers to remain in safe control areas while the robot executes the physically demanding and hazardous tasks of engaging and manipulating twistlocks. The system serves itself by autonomously completing the entire twistlock handling process without requiring human physical intervention in dangerous zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, controllers, and automated actuation mechanisms to handle twistlocks. This substitution eliminates the need for human operators to physically engage with dangerous moving parts and heavy containers, significantly improving safety while the added complexity is justified by the removal of human workers from hazardous environments.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus and a method for operating a twistlock and an associated robot. The apparatus comprises a clamping assembly comprising a plurality of pairs of clamping portions spaced apart by different distances and adapted to engage with different types of twistlocks, respectively; and an operating assembly adapted to drive one of the plurality of pairs of clamping portions to clamp the twistlock and to drive the clamped twistlock to rotate, to allow the clamped twistlock to be mounted on or removed from a container. In this way, the apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to most types of twistlocks without changing the clamping assembly, thereby improving the operation efficiency and reducing the costs.