Adaptive Gripper with Switchable Filler for CFRP Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber handling in CFRP manufacturing is hindered by high manufacturing costs due to non-automated manual steps, particularly in adapting gripper geometries for complex geometries and small batch sizes, which require additional investment and development.
Innovation Solution
An end effector with a flexible container filled with a switchable filler that can change between a flowable and rigid state, equipped with vacuum, heating, cooling, or electrostatic elements, allowing it to reproduce and adapt to different surface contours for precise gripping, tempering, and compacting of semi-finished products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid pickups are used for complex geometries, then gripping precision is improved, but device complexity and adaptation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector employs a deformable pickup made of elastomeric material that can dynamically change its shape to match different component geometries. The pickup deforms under the influence of gravity and contact forces to conform to the component surface, eliminating the need for rigid pre-adapted geometries while maintaining precise gripping contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the pickup material from rigid to deformable, allowing it to adapt its geometry through elastic deformation rather than requiring mechanical reconfiguration. This parameter change enables a single pickup design to handle multiple component shapes without increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple adapted grippers are used for different components, then gripping precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable pickup is designed to serve multiple functions and adapt to different component geometries without requiring separate specialized grippers for each component type. A single universal pickup design can handle various shapes through elastic deformation, reducing the number of unique tools needed and lowering manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the material property from rigid to elastomeric, the pickup can achieve precise gripping contact for different geometries without requiring multiple specialized designs, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining precision.
3Device complexity
If a single tool system is used for diverse geometries, then device complexity is reduced, but gripping precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric pickup dynamically adapts its shape through elastic deformation when contacted with different component geometries. This dynamic behavior allows a single simplified tool system to achieve precise gripping contact for diverse shapes without compromising accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible elastomeric pickup that can conform to different surfaces, allowing a single tool design to handle diverse geometries with high precision. The flexible material enables the pickup to wrap around and contact complex surfaces effectively.
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
Enables efficient and precise handling of variously shaped semi-finished products with reduced need for multiple tool adaptations, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing costs by allowing a single tool system to handle diverse geometries and sizes, and facilitating uniform heating or cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The end effector (10) comprises at least one switching element (4, 5) which is attached to the flexible container (1) or embedded in its surface... selected from one or more vacuum (4, 5)... These switching elements (4, 5) can be used to vary parameters such as pressure... in the flexible container (1)
Implementation Method 2
one or more heating or Cooling elements... After 'freezing' the surface contour of a component or semi-finished product, the end effector can also be used to heat this component or semi-finished product as evenly as possible, e.g. by means of heating elements that are attached to the surface of the flexible container
Implementation Method 3
one or more heating or Cooling elements... one or more cooling elements, which can be used to vary parameters such as pressure, temperature or electric field strength in the flexible container (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an end effector comprising a flexible container (1) which contains a filler that can be transformed between a free-flowing or deformable state and a rigid or shape-maintaining state, said end effector further comprising one or more operating elements for gripping, adjusting the temperature, and/or compacting.