Addressable Vacuum Gripper Assembly for Selective Multi-Object Picking
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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 groups, 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 holding of target objects based on image data, enabling the system to grip and transport multiple objects simultaneously or sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional robotic grippers are used, then the system can perform basic gripping tasks, but it lacks the sophistication to selectively grip objects from groups or handle irregularly shaped objects
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independently controllable vacuum regions, each capable of being activated or deactivated separately. This segmentation allows selective gripping of specific objects from a group by activating only the necessary vacuum regions, thereby improving adaptability without requiring a completely complex new system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum regions are made dynamically controllable through independent actuation mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt its gripping pattern in real-time based on object characteristics. This dynamic control enables the same gripper structure to handle various object shapes and sizes, enhancing versatility without increasing physical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum regions are used to grip multiple objects, then selective gripping capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple vacuum regions are merged into a single integrated gripper assembly that shares common structural support, sealing mechanisms, and vacuum generation systems. This combining approach allows selective gripping of multiple objects while avoiding the complexity of having completely separate gripper units for each vacuum region.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-region vacuum gripper is designed as a universal device that can handle various object types, shapes, and sizes using the same basic structure. By making each vacuum region independently controllable, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring multiple specialized gripper designs, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
3Reliability
If vacuum gripping is used to handle irregularly shaped objects, then gripping reliability is improved, but the system requires sophisticated control based on image data
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates image data acquisition and processing that provides feedback about object position, shape, and orientation. This feedback is used to automatically adjust which vacuum regions are activated, creating a closed-loop control system that improves gripping reliability for irregular objects while keeping the control logic systematic rather than overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system replaces complex mechanical sensing and adjustment mechanisms with vision-based detection and software-controlled vacuum region activation. This substitution uses optical fields and digital processing instead of mechanical sensors and actuators, reducing physical complexity while maintaining or improving control sophistication for reliable gripping.
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 based on image data, improving the robotic system's ability to handle complex object arrangements and reduce the risk of damage during handling.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum gripper device including a plurality of addressable vacuum regions configured to contact a surface of the target object and form/retain the vacuum condition
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.