Vehicle Material Handler With Adaptive Tilt Tray Conveyors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling systems are inefficient and inflexible, often requiring significant reconfiguration for different product types, and are unsuitable for handling fragile, crushable, very small, or very light items while maintaining product integrity.
Innovation Solution
A robot with a multi-section tilt tray and conveyor system, controlled by a controller, that adjusts tilt speed, angle, and acceleration based on product specifications to handle items of varying weights, sizes, and fragilities, enabling autonomous delivery to specific containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-product type tilt and belt system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle different product types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt tray is divided into multiple independently controllable sections (first section, second section, etc.), each capable of tilting at different angles and speeds. This segmentation allows the system to handle different product types by activating only the necessary sections, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the tilt angle, tilt speed, and acceleration of each tray section based on real-time product detection. The controller modifies these parameters on-the-fly to accommodate varying product characteristics, enabling a single system to adapt to multiple product types without physical reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If a single-product type handling system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the ability to handle fragile and delicate items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts tilt speed and acceleration based on detected product fragility. For fragile items, the controller uses lower speeds and gradual acceleration to prevent damage. The ease of operation is maintained through automated detection and control, eliminating the need for manual intervention while ensuring product safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (tilt angle, tilt speed, acceleration) based on product characteristics. By detecting product type and adjusting parameters accordingly, the system maintains product integrity for fragile items while keeping the operation simple through automated parameter modification rather than complex manual procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reconfiguration is performed for different product types, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs dynamic reconfiguration by adjusting tilt parameters in real-time during operation rather than requiring physical reconfiguration between product types. The controller modifies tilt angles and speeds on-the-fly, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous operation while adapting to different products.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects product type in advance and pre-adjusts the appropriate tray sections before the product enters the handling zone. This preliminary action ensures the system is already configured for the upcoming product type, eliminating delays and maintaining continuous flow while adapting to different products.
4Productivity
If conventional tilt systems are used, then the productivity is maintained at basic levels, but the manufacturing precision of delivery position deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tilt tray into multiple independently controllable sections, the system achieves precise control over the delivery position of articles. Each section can be positioned at specific angles to deliver items to accurate locations, while the overall system maintains high throughput by processing multiple items simultaneously across different sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensors to detect product position, type, and movement, providing feedback to the controller. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of tilt angles and speeds to achieve precise delivery positions while maintaining high productivity. The controller continuously optimizes parameters based on actual product behavior.
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 system efficiently handles diverse products by adjusting tilt and conveyor parameters, ensuring safe and precise delivery, even for fragile or delicate items, enhancing handling flexibility and maintaining product integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt tray that is configured for tilting relative to a vertical of the robot, the tilt tray having at least a first section configured for tilting in a first direction to deposit a first article carried by the material handler
Implementation Method 2
At least one of the first section and second section of the tilt tray may include a conveyor that moves relative to a plate portion of the tilt tray section
Data Source
AI summary
Robot includes a propulsion system configured to transport the robot and a controller in communication with the propulsion system. A material handler is carried by the robot and configured for depositing articles into one or more destination containers. The material handler has a tilt tray having sections that are configured for tilting in any number of directions relative to a vertical of the robot. Each section of the tilt tray may include a respective conveyor that moves articles at variable speed.