Electroadhesive Gripping System for Automated Material Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic grippers face limitations in handling diverse objects due to requirements for smooth surfaces, high power consumption, and potential damage, and existing conveyance systems are inefficient in sorting and braking, leading to issues like clogging and product damage.
Innovation Solution
An electroadhesive gripping system with electrodes, sensors, and a controller that uses electrostatic attraction to meter, brake, and capture objects, allowing for smart handling and processing of objects in an automated environment by detecting object presence, movement, and acceleration to control the flow and deceleration of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If suction is used to grip objects, then gripping capability is improved, but power consumption increases and reliability decreases due to leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction system with an electroadhesive system that uses electrostatic fields to generate gripping force. The electroadhesive film with electrodes creates electrostatic attraction forces on the object surface without requiring mechanical vacuum pumps, thereby eliminating the high power consumption and leak issues associated with traditional suction systems while maintaining effective gripping capability
2Force
If mechanical actuation with large normal forces is used, then gripping capability is improved, but the ability to handle fragile objects decreases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical actuation systems that apply large crushing forces with an electroadhesive system using electrostatic attraction. This substitution allows for gentle, distributed forces across the object surface that are sufficient for gripping but do not cause damage to fragile or delicate objects, while also reducing the mechanical complexity and cost of the actuation system
3Productivity
If conventional conveyance systems with ramps and chutes are used, then productivity is improved, but reliability decreases due to product damage and clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical conveyance systems with ramps, chutes, and rollers with an electroadhesive braking and metering system. The electroadhesive film applied to the conveyance surfaces provides controlled friction and braking forces that gently slow and stop objects without the crushing impacts, tumbling, and clogging problems associated with mechanical systems, thereby maintaining high productivity while ensuring product integrity
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 system enables efficient and gentle handling of various objects, reducing damage and improving the reliability of automated material handling by providing precise control over object flow and braking, even for fragile or bulky items, and can be retrofitted into existing conveyance systems.
Implementation Method 1
An electroadhesive surface includes electrodes that are configured to induce an electrostatic attraction with nearby objects upon application of voltage to the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A system utilizes electroadhesive surfaces for braking and metering objects in an automated environment. An electroadhesive surface can include electrodes that are configured to induce an electrostatic attraction with nearby objects upon application of voltage to the electrodes. The systems described utilize various configurations of electroadhesive surfaces, sensors, controllers and programmable processors to create smart braking, capturing and metering systems for improved automated material handling.