Adaptable Suction Device with Deformable Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current grippers, such as finger-type and vacuum cup grippers, are ineffective in grasping a wide variety of objects, particularly those with irregular surfaces or tightly packed batches, due to limitations in gripping force control, direction of approach, and sealing issues, leading to difficulties in handling large surfaces and diverse object shapes.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a deformable membrane and pressure mechanisms that dynamically modify the membrane's shape and suction properties to create a seal with objects, allowing for adaptable gripping and suction forces to handle various objects, including those with complex surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum cups are used to grip objects, then the device can pick objects from tightly packed batches and handle large surfaces, but the device cannot effectively grip objects with irregular shapes where a seal cannot be established
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device employs a deformable membrane that can dynamically change its shape and configuration to adapt to different object geometries. The membrane transitions from a rigid vacuum cup structure to a flexible surface that conforms to irregular shapes, enabling reliable sealing across diverse object types while maintaining the suction mechanism's effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the rigid vacuum cup with a flexible membrane structure that can deform and conform to the surface of objects with irregular shapes. This flexible shell approach allows the membrane to establish effective seals on complex geometries while maintaining the suction force necessary for reliable gripping
2Force
If finger-type grippers are used, then the device can provide controlled gripping force, but the device cannot grip objects from surfaces larger than the maximum opening of the fingers or access tightly packed objects
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes pneumatic suction forces generated by the pressure mechanism to provide controlled attractive forces on objects. The suction force can be precisely controlled through pressure regulation, enabling gentle gripping of delicate objects while maintaining sufficient force for secure handling, and the force is distributed across the entire contact surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device combines the advantages of both vacuum cup and finger gripper approaches into a single universal gripping mechanism. It can grip objects from various surfaces including top, bottom, and side surfaces, handle tightly packed objects, and provide controlled forces, making it adaptable to multiple gripping scenarios that previously required different specialized devices
3Device complexity
If a single gripper design is used for various objects, then the device structure remains simple, but the device fails to effectively grasp diverse object shapes and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state and configuration parameters of the membrane structure to adapt to different object types. By controlling the pressure parameters and membrane deformation, the same basic structure can effectively grasp diverse object shapes and surfaces without requiring multiple specialized grippers, maintaining structural simplicity while achieving versatility
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 enables the suction device to effectively grasp and move a wide range of objects by conforming to their surfaces, providing continuous attractive forces and overcoming the limitations of existing grippers in terms of surface adaptability and force control.
Implementation Method 1
depressurizing the suction compartment vis the pressure mechanism, providing a suction force onto said object within that sealed area sufficient to grasp said object
Implementation Method 2
modifying the deformable membrane to conform to and create a seal with said object
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention will provide a suction device adapted to provide gripping and suction forces to pick up and move a wide variety of objects. This is accomplished through a suction compartment, a membrane compartment, deformable membrane sealing said membrane compartment, and at least one pressure mechanism. The at least one pressure mechanism is in fluid connection with the suction compartment and is configured to modify properties within the suction compartment to assist in providing gripping and attractive forces. The present invention will grasp an object by positioning the deformable membrane adjacent to said object, modifying the deformable membrane to conform to and create a seal with said object, and then depressurizing the suction compartment via the pressure mechanism, providing a suction force onto said object within that sealed area sufficient to grasp said object.