Vibrating Tray Aligning Plate Workpieces for Robot Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in efficiently aligning and gripping small, plate-shaped workpieces in a predetermined direction, especially when they are initially placed in a flat state, which can lead to difficulties in assembly and increased processing time.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus comprising a tray with recesses, a detector, a robot, and a controller, which vibrates the tray to align workpieces into a standing state and uses a robot hand to grip them in a predetermined direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If workpieces are placed in a flat state on the tray, then they are easy to place and store, but they cannot be gripped in a predetermined direction for assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be vibratable, transforming it from a static to a dynamic structure. By applying vibration, the workpieces transition from a flat state to a standing state, enabling them to be gripped in the predetermined direction for assembly while maintaining ease of placement in the flat state
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration mechanism is used to change the orientation of plate-shaped workpieces from flat to standing position. The mechanical vibration causes the workpieces to rise and orient themselves vertically in the recesses, making them suitable for gripping and assembly operations
2Productivity
If multiple hands or temporary storage are used to align workpieces, then gripping in predetermined direction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single hand is designed to perform multiple functions: it can grip workpieces in both flat and standing states, and can adapt to different orientations. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized hands or temporary storage devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining full gripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The workpieces self-align into the standing state through vibration of the tray, without requiring external alignment mechanisms or temporary storage. The recesses in the tray guide the workpieces into the correct orientation automatically, eliminating the need for additional alignment devices
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 apparatus enables efficient alignment and gripping of plate-shaped workpieces with one hand in a predetermined direction, improving work efficiency and reducing the need for multiple hands or temporary storage.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration mechanism (10) that vibrates the tray (9)
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping apparatus includes a tray, a detector, a robot, and a controller. The tray has a placement surface on which multiple workpieces of plate shape are to be placed. The placement surface is provided with multiple recesses. The detector is configured to detect arrangement of the workpieces placed on the tray. The robot is attached with a hand. The controller is configured to move and insert the workpieces into the recesses by vibrating the tray, specify the workpieces in a standing state with the detector, and instruct the robot to grip one of the workpieces in the standing state with the hand in a predetermined direction.