Addressable Vacuum Gripper Array for Selective Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in selectively gripping and handling objects, particularly irregularly shaped or sized items, and those in close proximity, due to a lack of sophistication in replicating human adaptability and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A robotic multi-gripper assembly with addressable vacuum regions that can independently provide vacuum gripping, allowing for precise selection and handling of objects based on image data analysis, enabling the system to grip and transport multiple objects simultaneously or sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gripper is used to handle objects, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to handle irregularly shaped objects and objects in close proximity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single gripper is divided into multiple independent vacuum grippers arranged in an array. Each vacuum gripper can be independently controlled to grip or release objects, enabling selective gripping of irregularly shaped objects and objects in close proximity while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum grippers are made dynamically controllable through independent activation and deactivation of each gripper element. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different object shapes, sizes, and positions by selectively engaging only the necessary grippers, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity
2Productivity
If multiple vacuum grippers are used to handle objects in close proximity, then the productivity increases, but the precision in selecting specific objects decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The array of vacuum grippers is divided into addressable regions that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows the system to activate only the specific grippers needed for selecting target objects from a group, thereby maintaining high productivity through parallel operation while achieving precise object selection through selective activation of individual grippers or regions
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the gripper array can be assigned different functions or activation states based on local requirements. The system can apply vacuum to specific local regions to grip particular objects while leaving other regions inactive, enabling precise object selection among multiple objects while maintaining the productivity benefits of having multiple grippers available
3Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum gripping is applied to irregularly shaped objects, then the object damage risk decreases, but the gripping reliability varies
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripper array is segmented into multiple independently controllable elements that can be selectively activated based on the object's shape, size, and position. This segmentation allows the system to distribute the gripping force across multiple contact points, reducing the risk of damage to irregularly shaped objects while maintaining consistent gripping reliability by adapting the activation pattern to match the object's geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The system can dynamically adjust vacuum parameters such as vacuum level and activation pattern based on the detected object characteristics. By changing these parameters in response to irregular shapes, the system maintains reliable gripping while minimizing damage risk through adaptive control
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 reliable gripping and transportation of various objects, including irregularly shaped ones, without damaging them, by using vacuum grippers that can selectively apply suction, improving the robotic system's adaptability and efficiency in handling complex object arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The robotic system can include a vacuum gripper assembly with a plurality of addressable vacuum regions defining a gripping zone
Implementation Method 2
Each of the vacuum regions can be selectively actuated to draw in air
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a transport robot includes receiving image data representative of a group of objects. One or more target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to hold and transport the identified one or more target objects. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. A vision sensor device can capture the image data, which is representative of the target objects adjacent to or held by the multi-gripper assembly.