Variable-Contact Gripper for Mixed Parcel Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling devices struggle to efficiently handle a wide range of piece goods with different properties, such as parcels or postal items, due to limitations in gripping and movement, leading to increased space requirements, installation costs, and reduced automation.
Innovation Solution
A handling device with a gripping device that adapts its contact surface based on the properties of the piece good, using a combination of suction pads and mechanical grippers, and a control unit to selectively grip and move piece goods without affecting adjacent items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single suction pad is used to pick up smaller parcels precisely, then picking precision is improved, but lifting capability for larger, heavier packages deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple suction pads arranged in an array. Different numbers and combinations of suction pads can be activated depending on the size and weight of the parcel, allowing precise picking of small items while providing sufficient lifting force for larger packages through combined pad activation.
2Force
If several or larger suction pads are used to lift larger, heavier packages, then lifting capability is improved, but picking precision for smaller parcels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device dynamically adjusts the number and arrangement of active suction pads based on the detected properties of each parcel. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize between picking precision and lifting capability for each individual parcel, preventing unintentional influence on adjacent piece goods while providing adequate lifting force.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two or more devices with different numbers of suction pads are connected in series to handle different piece goods, then handling versatility is improved, but space requirement and installation costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A single gripping device is designed with multiple suction pads that can be selectively activated to handle various sizes and weights of parcels. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices connected in series, reducing space requirements and installation costs while maintaining the ability to handle diverse piece goods.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a manual processing station is arranged downstream to sort out piece goods that cannot be processed, then handling capability is improved, but automation level and personnel costs deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device with variable contact surface capability automatically detects and adapts to different piece good properties, enabling it to handle a wide range of parcels without manual intervention. The system self-adjusts the number and arrangement of active suction pads based on parcel characteristics, eliminating the need for manual processing stations and maintaining high automation levels.
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 efficient handling of a diverse range of piece goods, improving automation and reducing operational costs by allowing precise selection and movement of target piece goods without disturbing others.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping device (11) is designed as a suction pad
Data Source
AI summary
A handling device for picking up at least one piece good includes at least one gripping device configured to grip a piece good in a gripping position, wherein the gripping device has a contact surface with which the gripping device is in contact with the at least one gripped piece good during the gripping position, and wherein the gripping device is configured to vary the contact surface based on at least one piece good property of the at least one piece good to be gripped.