XY Conveyor Robot for Concurrent Multi-Vessel Food Preparation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing robots face challenges in efficiently handling and transporting open-top vessels, such as cups and containers, due to issues like spilling liquids and handling loose solids, which often requires manual intervention and is costly and space-intensive, especially in consumer-facing and geographically distributed scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A robotic system with a controller and actuators that engage and disengage end effectors to move open-top vessels through a two-or-higher-dimensional working area, using a barrier to minimize contact and prevent contamination, and employing a programmable conveying system with two or more degrees of freedom to dynamically route vessels between workstations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional robots are used for handling open-top vessels, then automation is achieved, but space consumption and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveautomationVSAvoidspace consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional robotic arms to a two-dimensional XY conveyor system. The conveyor moves vessels along X and Y axes in a planar workspace, eliminating the need for complex vertical positioning mechanisms. This dimensional reduction decreases the robot's footprint and space requirements while maintaining automation capability for handling open-top vessels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If manual handling of open-top vessels is used, then space and cost are reduced, but productivity and automation are decreased

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveproductivityVSAvoidautomation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The XY conveyor system is designed to autonomously transport open-top vessels between workstations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates vessel movement along the conveyor path, automatically positions vessels at dispensing stations, and maintains continuous operation, thereby achieving high productivity through full automation rather than manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional robotic systems are deployed, then automation is provided, but the system becomes costly and space-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic system is segmented into independent functional modules: an XY conveyor subsystem for transport, separate dispensing stations for different aliments, and modular end effectors. Each module operates independently but coordinates through the conveyor system. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different vessel types and dispensing requirements while keeping each individual component simple and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Productivity

If open-top vessels are transported manually, then spills and contamination are reduced, but throughput and efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidspills and contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated XY conveyor system that uses programmed motion control to transport open-top vessels. The conveyor provides precise, controlled movement with smooth acceleration and deceleration, minimizing vessel instability and spill risk. The automated system maintains consistent handling protocols that prevent contamination, achieving high throughput without the harmful effects associated with manual handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 enables efficient and automated transportation of open-top vessels, reducing spills and contamination, while being cost and space-efficient, thereby improving throughput and reducing manual intervention in beverage and food preparation processes.

Implementation Method 1

the primary member is coupled to the first secondary member across the barrier via a coupling force

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10729281B2Increasing throughput of food and beverage preparation robots with concurrent transport of workpieces along multiple axes

Publication Date: 2020.08.04 TRUEBIRD INC

AI summary

Provided is a process, including: engaging, with a first subset of end effectors of a robot, a first open-top vessel; engaging, while the first subset of end effectors are engaged with the first open-top vessel, with a second subset of end effectors of the robot, a second open-top vessel; concurrently transporting the first open-top vessel and the second open-top vessel with two or more actuators; disengaging the first open-top vessel at a first workstation of the robot, the first workstation being configured to dispense a first alimentary product into the first open-top vessel; and disengaging the second open-top vessel at a second workstation of the robot, the second workstation being configured to dispense a second alimentary product into the second open-top vessel.