U-Shaped Multi-Robot Disassembly Line for Multi-Product Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current disassembly line balancing techniques face challenges in efficiently handling multiple end-of-life products with varying complexities, sizes, and materials, particularly in achieving optimal disassembly profit and minimizing the smoothness index in multi-robotic systems.
Innovation Solution
A multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line with a U-shaped conveyor belt and multiple robots at each workstation, where each robot can rotate to perform tasks on both sides of the workstation, is implemented. This system uses an Improved Multi-objective Discrete Brainstorming Optimization (IMDBO) algorithm to optimize task assignment and disassembly sequences, maximizing profit and minimizing the smoothness index.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional linear disassembly line is used, then the system structure is simple, but the disassembly efficiency and flexibility for multiple products are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a U-shaped conveyor belt configuration instead of a traditional linear layout. This curved arrangement allows the conveyor to return to the starting side, creating a compact workspace where multiple robots can collaborate on disassembly tasks. The U-shape enables better space utilization and allows products to be accessed from multiple sides simultaneously, thereby improving disassembly efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple robots at each workstation to handle different disassembly tasks simultaneously. By merging multiple robotic systems into a collaborative multi-robotic setup, the system achieves higher productivity through parallel operations. The robots work together on the same product or different products at the same workstation, maximizing the utilization of available space and resources in the U-shaped layout
2Adaptability or versatility
If single-product disassembly line is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the adaptability to handle multiple products with varying complexities is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-robotic system where each robot is equipped with interchangeable end effectors and tools that can be adapted to different product types and disassembly tasks. The U-shaped conveyor belt can accommodate various product sizes and configurations. This universal design allows the same system to handle multiple products with varying complexities, from simple consumer electronics to more complex appliances, by reconfiguring robot tasks and tooling rather than requiring separate dedicated lines for each product type
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic task allocation and robot scheduling systems that can adapt in real-time to different product types and disassembly requirements. The control system dynamically assigns specific disassembly tasks to appropriate robots based on product characteristics, robot capabilities, and current workload. This dynamic reconfiguration enables the system to efficiently switch between different product types without manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability
3Productivity
If manual disassembly is used, then the system is flexible to handle various products, but the productivity and labor cost efficiency are low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated multi-robotic disassembly system that performs disassembly tasks autonomously without continuous human intervention. The robots are equipped with sensors, vision systems, and intelligent control algorithms that enable them to identify products, plan disassembly sequences, execute tasks, and adapt to variations automatically. The system self-manages task allocation, robot coordination, and quality monitoring, thereby achieving high productivity while maintaining flexibility through programmable adaptability rather than manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical disassembly operations with automated robotic systems. Robots equipped with various end effectors (graspers, screwdrivers, wrenches, cutters) perform disassembly tasks that were traditionally done by hand. The system uses sensors, cameras, and force feedback to detect product features and adjust manipulation forces, replacing human sensory and motor functions with electronic and mechanical systems. This substitution dramatically increases productivity and consistency while reducing labor costs
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line, a method for disassembling components on the multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line, and a non-transitory computer readable medium that cause one or more processors to perform the method for disassembling components on the multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line are provided. The multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line uses multiple robots, assigned to multiple workstations to perform disassembly tasks without precedence and conflict relationships, so that different types of end-of-life products can be disassembled. A mathematical model is established to maximize the disassembly profit and minimize the smoothness index for the multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line. An Improved Multi-objective Discrete Brainstorming Optimization (IMDBO) algorithm is utilized to identify improvements for the multi-robotic U-shaped disassembly line.