Pivotable Vacuum End Effector With Inline Filtration for Dense Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems for online retail businesses, such as online grocers and supermarkets, face inefficiencies due to the need for large floor areas and inefficient storage of small quantities of perishable or infrequently-ordered goods using single-product stacks.
Innovation Solution
A robot end effector with an integrated vacuum manifold and pivotable suction cup assembly, capable of grasping items at various angles and orientations, and an inline filter assembly to protect the vacuum system from contaminants, is used with a robotic arm to efficiently manage and retrieve items from a dense storage system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-product stacks are used for storage, then storage simplicity is improved, but floor area requirement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from horizontal single-product stacking to vertical multi-level stacking, utilizing the vertical dimension to increase storage density. Multiple stacks are arranged vertically within a framework structure, allowing products to be stored at different heights rather than only horizontally adjacent to each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-handling device is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple product types and stack configurations. It can lift and transport containers from different stack positions (including lowest positions with cooperative devices) and adapt to various grid cell locations, reducing the need for product-specific storage structures.
2Device complexity
If single-product stacks are used, then product storage is simplified, but storage efficiency for small quantities of perishables decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent stacks arranged in a grid pattern, each stack capable of holding different product types. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of stack spaces to different products, including small quantities of perishables, without requiring dedicated large-scale single-product storage areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic load-handling devices that can be deployed to any stack position as needed. The robotic manipulators can adaptively access and retrieve products from any stack location, enabling flexible response to varying product demands including perishables that require frequent access or rotation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple load-handling devices cooperate to access lowest stack positions, then retrieval capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized control system acts as an intermediary to coordinate multiple load-handling devices. The control system manages the cooperative operations, assigning tasks and synchronizing movements of multiple robotic manipulators to efficiently access products at lowest stack positions without requiring complex peer-to-peer communication between devices.
4Area of stationary object
If dense storage arrangement is implemented, then space utilization is improved, but risk of vacuum line clogging from contaminants increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup assembly is equipped with an integrated filter that extracts and removes contaminants from the vacuum line before they can cause clogging. The filter is positioned within the suction cup assembly itself, allowing continuous filtration of air and particulate matter during the picking operation, thus protecting the vacuum system while maintaining dense storage capability.
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
The solution allows for flexible and efficient storage and retrieval of a wide range of items, minimizing space requirements and reducing vacuum line clogging, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the storage and retrieval system.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum manifold is fluidically connected to an extendable stem... configured to supply vacuum pressure to the suction cup assembly
Implementation Method 2
an inline filter assembly to protect the vacuum system from contaminants
Data Source
AI summary
A robot end effector comprising an extendable stem fluidically connectable to a suction cup assembly and a vacuum manifold fluidically connected to the extendable stem. The vacuum manifold is to supply vacuum pressure to the suction cup assembly via the extendable stem in use. The vacuum manifold is mounted to the extendable stem so as to be movable with the extendable stem.