How to ensure product safety during manipulator handling?

November 19, 2024

Manipulators play an increasingly important role in industrial production, especially in material handling. In order to ensure the safety of products during handling, it is necessary to start from the following aspects:

1. End effector design

Adaptability: The design of the end effector (such as suction cups, grippers, etc.) should match the shape, material, weight and other characteristics of the product to avoid damage to the product.

Buffer device: Adding buffer devices such as rubber pads and sponges to the end effector can reduce the impact force between the product and the manipulator.

Sealing of vacuum suction cups: For manipulator using vacuum suction cups, ensure that the sealing between the suction cup and the product is good to avoid product falling.

2. Motion trajectory planning

Obstacle avoidance function: The motion trajectory of the manipulator must be carefully planned to avoid collisions with surrounding equipment or obstacles.

Acceleration and deceleration control: During the start, stop and turn of the robot, reasonable acceleration and deceleration control should be performed to avoid damage to the product due to excessive acceleration.

Compliant control: Compliant control technology can be used to enable the manipulator to sense force feedback when it contacts the product to avoid excessive force.

3. Sensor application

Force sensor: The force sensor monitors the force between the manipulator and the product. Once the force value exceeds the set threshold, the action is stopped.

Visual sensor: Use visual sensors to monitor the product in real time to ensure accurate grasping position and avoid misoperation.

Proximity sensor: Avoid close contact between the manipulator and the product to prevent damage to the product.

4. Control system

Fault detection and alarm: The control system should have a fault detection function. Once a fault occurs, the operation of the manipulator will be stopped immediately and an alarm will be issued.

Safety interlock: Set up safety interlock devices, such as safety doors, light curtains, etc., to ensure that the manipulator can stop running immediately when an abnormal situation occurs.

Redundant design: For key components, redundant design can be used to improve the reliability of the system.

5. Regular maintenance and maintenance

Lubrication: Regularly lubricate the transmission components of the manipulator to reduce wear and extend service life.

Inspection: Regularly check the various parts of the manipulator and replace worn or damaged parts in time.

Calibration: Regularly calibrate the accuracy of the manipulator to ensure the accuracy of handling.

6. Operating procedures

Standardized operation: Develop detailed operating procedures and train operators to ensure standardized operation.

Prohibition of illegal operations: Operators are strictly prohibited from illegal operations, such as unauthorized modification of procedures, crossing safety protection devices, etc.

7. Product packaging

Shockproof packaging: For fragile products, shockproof packaging should be used to reduce vibration during handling.

Fixing measures: For products with irregular shapes, appropriate fixing measures should be adopted to prevent the product from sliding or tipping over during handling.

Author:

Ms. Fenny Wang

E-mail:

materialhandling@tongli17.com

Phone/WhatsApp:

8615950110267