Wearable Exoskeleton for Beverage Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container handling systems in the beverage industry often require manual tasks that impose excessive ergonomic and health burdens on operators, particularly during lifting operations, and existing solutions like lifting tools and robots are either limited in versatility or excessively costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A wearable exoskeleton device that supports the operator's movements for lifting and lowering objects, providing assistance with actuators and traction elements, and is adaptable to different operators and tasks, allowing for flexible and safe operation without the need for specialized tools or robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If lifting tools or robots are used to assist operators, then operator strain is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting assistance function is segmented from complex robotic systems and integrated into a wearable exoskeleton that attaches to the operator's body. This divides the lifting task between the operator's control and the exoskeleton's mechanical assistance, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining strain relief benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The exoskeleton acts as an intermediary device between the operator and the heavy objects. It provides mechanical leverage and force multiplication through its structure (struts, joints, weights) without requiring complex control systems or specialized robots, thus reducing device complexity while still assisting the operator
2Reliability
If specialized robots are used for specific tasks, then task performance is improved, but adaptability to different tasks decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton is designed as a universal assistance device that can support various manual tasks involving lifting and lowering, rather than being specialized for a single task. It attaches to the operator's body and provides mechanical assistance that adapts to different objects and operations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized robots
3Adaptability or versatility
If versatile robots are used to perform multiple tasks, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton leverages the operator's own body as the control interface and decision-making center. The operator naturally controls the exoskeleton's movements through their own motions, eliminating the need for complex control systems, sensors, and processors that would be required in a versatile robot
4Device complexity
If manual lifting is performed without assistance, then device complexity is reduced, but operator strain and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The exoskeleton incorporates weights and mechanical structures that counterbalance the weight of objects being lifted. The struts, joints, and weights are configured to provide mechanical advantage and reduce the effective load on the operator's muscles, thereby reducing strain and health hazards while maintaining relative system simplicity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a container handling system, comprising an exoskeleton which is designed in such a way that it supports movements carried out by an operator of the container handling system for lifting and/or lowering objects, in particular system parts or working material.