Adaptable Suction Gripper With Deformable Membrane Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grippers, such as finger-type and vacuum cup grippers, struggle to effectively grasp a wide variety of objects due to limitations in gripping force control, direction of approach, and gripping point definition, particularly when objects are larger than the gripper's maximum opening or have non-flat surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A suction device with a deformable membrane and pressure mechanism that modifies the suction compartment properties to create a seal with objects, using suction and friction forces to grasp and move objects by conforming to their shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If finger-type grippers are used, then gripping force can be controlled, but the device cannot grasp objects larger than its maximum opening or objects with non-flat surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to grasp various objectsVSAvoidgripping force control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane that can deform and conform to the surface of objects being grasped. This membrane acts as a flexible shell that adapts to various object shapes and sizes, enabling the device to grasp objects with non-flat surfaces and objects larger than traditional rigid gripper openings would allow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes pneumatic pressure mechanisms to control the deformation of the flexible membrane. By applying controlled pressure or vacuum, the system can adjust the membrane's shape and position to match different object geometries, providing both adaptability and controlled gripping force through pneumatic actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Area of stationary object

If vacuum cups are used, then objects larger than cup size can be gripped, but the device cannot effectively grasp objects where a seal cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrip areaVSAvoidability to grasp various shapes

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamically deformable membrane that can change its shape and configuration in real-time to adapt to different object surfaces. Unlike static vacuum cups, this membrane can actively conform to irregular shapes, maintaining seal contact across various object geometries while still providing large-area gripping capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the physical parameters of the gripping surface by deforming the membrane to match object contours. This parameter change in membrane shape and position enables the creation of effective seals on objects with non-flat surfaces, expanding the range of graspable object shapes beyond what rigid vacuum cups can achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional grippers are used, then simple objects can be grasped, but the device fails to grasp a large variety of objects including large non-flat surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverange of graspable objectsVSAvoidgripper structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal gripping device that can handle multiple object types (flat surfaces, non-flat surfaces, various sizes) with a single integrated system. The flexible membrane combined with pneumatic control provides multi-functional capability, replacing the need for multiple specialized grippers while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device can grasp and move a variety of objects, including those with non-flat surfaces, by creating a strong seal and applying continuous attractive forces, overcoming the limitations of traditional grippers.

Implementation Method 1

depressurizing the suction compartment vis the pressure mechanism, providing a suction force onto said object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

modifying the deformable membrane to conform to and create a seal with said object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

providing a suction force onto said object within that sealed area sufficient to grasp said object

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction force: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12576544B2Method and apparatus for an adaptable suction device

Publication Date: 2026.03.17 NEXERA ROBOTICS CORP

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.