Adjustable End-of-Arm Fixture for Multi-Object Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing end-of-arm tools and fixtures are typically designed for specific objects, requiring substitution and causing manufacturing delays, increased complexity, and additional space due to the need for multiple devices and fixtures.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable end-of-arm tool and fixture system with multiple adjustable assemblies and couplers, allowing tools to be positioned in various configurations relative to a base, enabling adaptation to different objects without changing the entire setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized end-of-arm tools and fixtures are used for different objects, then each object can be handled with a dedicated device, but manufacturing time increases due to device substitution, complexity increases, and additional space is required to store multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different objectsVSAvoidmanufacturing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The end-of-arm tool is designed with multiple adjustable assemblies that can be reconfigured to handle different objects. Each assembly includes adjustable links and couplers that allow the tool to adapt its geometry and configuration, enabling a single tool to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool incorporates adjustable assemblies with movable links and couplers that can dynamically change the tool's configuration. This dynamic adjustability allows the tool to transition between different operational states to accommodate various object types, eliminating the need for static specialized tools for each object type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized end-of-arm tools and fixtures are used for different objects, then each object can be handled with a dedicated device, but device complexity increases due to the need to plan and program changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different objectsVSAvoidcomplexity to plan and program changes

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into multiple independent adjustable assemblies, each capable of being configured separately. This segmentation allows for modular adjustment and simplifies the programming process, as each assembly can be independently positioned and locked into place, reducing the overall complexity compared to reconfiguring a monolithic specialized tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable assemblies are designed with pre-configured linkages and couplers that can be quickly positioned to predetermined configurations. This preliminary design of the adjustment mechanism reduces the programming complexity by providing standardized, repeatable positioning options for different objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized end-of-arm tools and fixtures are used for different objects, then each object can be handled with a dedicated device, but additional space is required to store multiple devices and use multiple fixtures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle different objectsVSAvoidspace to store multiple devices

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single end-of-arm tool with multiple adjustable assemblies that can handle different object types, the need to store multiple specialized tools and fixtures is eliminated. The universal tool occupies significantly less storage space while maintaining the capability to manipulate various objects through reconfiguration of its assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If a single adjustable end-of-arm tool is used for multiple objects, then device substitution time is reduced and space requirements decrease, but the device complexity increases due to multiple adjustable assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable assemblies

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is segmented into multiple independent adjustable assemblies, each with its own set of links and couplers. This segmentation allows for localized adjustment without affecting the entire tool structure, simplifying the control logic and reducing the overall complexity despite the multi-functional capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable assemblies are designed with nested linkages where smaller components are integrated within larger structural elements. This nesting reduces the overall footprint and number of external adjustment mechanisms required, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12472642B2Adjustable end-of-arm tool or fixture

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 MAGSWITCH AUTOMATION CO

AI summary

Adjustable end of arm tools for robots and fixtures are disclosed. The adjustable end of arm tools and fixtures may each have multiple degrees of freedom to position an interface of a tool in one of a plurality of configurations.