Pressure-Sensing Suction Gripper for Waste Sorting Robots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current waste sorting robots, such as delta and gantry robots, face limitations in handling heavy objects, have non-linear control requirements, and are prone to wear due to universal joints, and suction grippers can be unreliable due to blockages and require manual inspection.
Innovation Solution
A waste sorting robot equipped with a suction gripper and pressure sensors that adapt to pressure changes, allowing the controller to determine the gripper's status and adjust operations, including using airflow to unblock the gripper, ensuring reliable object picking and handling across a wider range of waste types and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a delta robot is used for waste sorting, then small light objects can be picked effectively, but heavy objects cannot be lifted and the working volume becomes narrower away from the servo housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical delta robot system with a robotic arm system that uses a suction gripper actuated by a vacuum pump. This substitution eliminates the universal joint mechanism and allows the robot to handle both light and heavy objects effectively, while maintaining a consistent working volume throughout the workspace.
2Device complexity
If a suction gripper is used without pressure monitoring, then the system is simpler, but the gripper becomes unreliable due to blockages and requires manual inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pressure sensors that continuously monitor the vacuum pressure in the suction gripper. When blockage is detected through pressure feedback, the system automatically activates the vacuum pump to clear the blockage, eliminating the need for manual inspection and significantly improving gripper reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual waste sorting is used, then flexibility is maintained, but the process is arduous and dangerous and requires multiple shifts to increase output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated robotic system that performs waste sorting independently without human intervention. The robotic arm with suction gripper automatically picks, transports, and places waste objects into designated containers, eliminating the need for manual sorting while maintaining flexibility through programmable control and achieving high productivity through continuous operation.
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 enhances the robot's ability to handle diverse waste objects reliably and efficiently, reducing manual intervention and increasing operational stability and output by using real-time pressure feedback to control the suction gripper's performance.
Implementation Method 1
a manipulator (104) comprising a suction gripper (132) for interacting with one or more waste objects (106a, 106b, 106c) to be sorted within a working area (108)
Implementation Method 2
at least one pressure sensor configured to generate a pressure signal in dependence on a fluid pressure in the suction gripper (132)
Data Source
AI summary
A waste sorting robot can include a manipulator comprising a suction gripper for interacting with one or more waste objects to be sorted within a working area, and wherein the manipulator is moveable within the working area. There is a controller configured to send control instructions to the manipulator. At least one pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the suction gripper and configured to generate a pressure signal in dependence on a fluid pressure in the suction gripper. The controller is configured to receive the pressure signal and to determine manipulator instructions in dependence on the pressure signal.