Bernoulli Pickup for Irregular Object Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for efficiently manipulating irregularly-shaped and porous objects, particularly in automated operations, as they are either costly or require complex equipment, limiting flexibility and the need for additional object feeders/sorters.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a Bernoulli pickup that creates a low-pressure zone by gas flow between the object and a plate, generating an attractive force to move the object, allowing for contact manipulation of both solid and porous surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional manipulation methods are used for irregularly-shaped objects, then manipulation capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a Bernoulli pickup device that utilizes pressurized gas flow (pneumatics) to create a low-pressure zone between the plate and the object, generating an attractive force for manipulation. This pneumatic approach replaces complex mechanical grippers or suction cup systems, achieving simple and cost-effective manipulation of irregularly-shaped objects while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter by introducing pressurized gas flow to create a low-pressure zone (negative pressure) between the plate and object. This parameter change generates the attractive force needed for manipulation, enabling the system to handle various irregularly-shaped objects without complex mechanical adjustments, thereby improving ease of manufacture and reducing device complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional manipulation methods are used for porous objects, then manipulation capability is achieved, but the method becomes costly and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The Bernoulli pickup uses pressurized gas flow to create a low-pressure zone that generates attractive force on porous objects. The gas flow can penetrate and adapt to porous surfaces, creating effective contact and manipulation without requiring complex mechanical grippers or specialized suction systems, thus achieving both simplicity and adaptability for porous object manipulation
3Extent of automation
If automated operations use traditional object feeders/sorters, then automation is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Bernoulli pickup device serves multiple functions: it can manipulate irregularly-shaped objects, porous objects, and objects of various sizes using the same basic mechanism. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized feeders and sorters in automated operations, reducing device complexity while maintaining high automation capability
Solution Approach 2:
By adjusting the gas flow pressure and other parameters of the Bernoulli pickup, the system can adapt to different object types and manipulation requirements. This parameter adjustability allows a single automated system to handle diverse objects without requiring additional feeders or sorters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining extent of automation
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 simple, cost-effective manipulation of irregularly-shaped objects with reduced need for complex equipment, accommodating a wide range of objects and surfaces, including porous ones, with adjustable parameters for optimized attraction force.
Implementation Method 1
supplying a gas flow through the nozzle of the apparatus thus creating negative pressure between the plate of the apparatus in contact with the object and the object and therefore creating an attractive force between the two
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus for the manipulation of objects are provided, comprising steps of creating a low pressure zone between a plate with a gas-flowing surface and an object to be manipulated. This gas is forced to flow between the surface of the plate and the object. The low-pressure zone created between the surface and the object results in a force acting on the object and towards the plate. By moving the plate the object is moved. The method and apparatus are easy to implement and provide contact manipulation of objects.