Addressable Vacuum Multi-Gripper Assembly for Selective Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems face challenges in selectively gripping and holding objects, particularly irregularly shaped or sized objects, and those in close proximity, due to a lack of sophistication in replicating human sensitivity and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A robotic multi-gripper assembly with addressable vacuum regions that can independently provide vacuum gripping, allowing for precise selection and retention of target 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 robotic system uses a single gripper assembly, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to selectively grip irregularly shaped objects and objects in close proximity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system divides the gripping function into multiple independent gripper assemblies (first, second, and third gripper assemblies), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to handle multiple objects simultaneously and selectively grip irregularly shaped objects by activating only the necessary gripper assemblies, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assemblies are designed with movable and adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different object shapes, sizes, and positions. The ability to independently actuate each gripper assembly and adjust their positions allows the system to dynamically reconfigure for various gripping scenarios, enhancing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the robotic system uses multiple gripper assemblies to handle complex object arrangements, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple gripper assemblies are designed with universal functionality, where each assembly can perform the same gripping operations independently. This multi-functionality allows any of the gripper assemblies to handle different object types and arrangements, improving the system's adaptability to complex scenarios while avoiding the need for specialized components for each situation, thereby controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assemblies are configured in a nested or layered arrangement where they can operate in coordination or independence based on the task requirements. This nesting allows the system to manage complexity by organizing multiple gripper assemblies in a structured hierarchy, where simpler operations can be performed by individual assemblies while more complex operations involve coordinated action among multiple assemblies.
3Measurement precision
If the vacuum grippers selectively engage and disengage, then the precision of object selection improves, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripper system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the engagement status and vacuum levels of each gripper assembly. This feedback allows the control system to precisely determine which objects are being held and adjust the vacuum application accordingly, improving object selection precision. The feedback-driven control manages complexity by using sensor data to automatically adjust gripper activation, reducing the need for complex manual control procedures.
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, by using vacuum grippers that can selectively engage and disengage, improving the robotic system's ability to handle complex object arrangements and reduce object loss during transfer.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum gripper assembly can be operated to form a vacuum condition between the vacuum regions and a surface of the object to retain the object
Implementation Method 2
each addressable region is capable of independently drawing in air to provide a pressure differential between the vacuum gripper device and the object
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a transport robot to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple objects is disclosed. The transport robot includes a multi-gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum. The robotic system receives image data representative of a group of objects. Individual target objects are identified in the group based on the received image data. Addressable vacuum regions are selected based on the identified target objects. The transport robot is command to cause the selected addressable vacuum regions to simultaneously grasp and transfer multiple target objects.