Electromagnetic Membrane Gripper for Delicate Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic gripping devices struggle to handle delicate objects without compromising speed and reliability, and require additional systems for picking up heavier objects, often involving vacuum systems that increase complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic gripping device using a deformable membrane, plunger, and solenoid to provide grip through electromagnetic force, allowing for flexible and reliable handling of objects without additional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If vacuum systems are used to pick up heavier objects, then gripping force is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum system (pneumatic/hydraulic system) with an electromagnetic system consisting of a solenoid and ferromagnetic plunger. The solenoid generates electromagnetic force to actuate the plunger, which directly provides gripping force through magnetic attraction to the object, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps, valves, and complex pneumatic circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the actuation mechanism from pneumatic pressure to electromagnetic force. By using a solenoid to generate electromagnetic field and a ferromagnetic plunger to convert it to mechanical motion, the system achieves high gripping force through electromagnetic parameters (current, magnetic field strength) rather than pneumatic parameters (pressure, flow rate).
2Productivity
If rigid grippers are used for automated manufacturing, then speed and reliability are improved, but flexibility to handle different object shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane as the gripping surface that can deform and conform to various object shapes. This flexible membrane is actuated by the electromagnetic plunger mechanism, combining the speed and reliability of rigid actuation with the adaptability of flexible contact surfaces, allowing the gripper to handle objects of different geometries effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If soft grippers with vacuum systems are used to handle delicate objects, then flexibility is improved, but operating speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the slow pneumatic vacuum system with a fast electromagnetic actuation system. The solenoid can rapidly generate and terminate electromagnetic fields, enabling quick gripping and release cycles. The ferromagnetic plunger provides immediate response to electromagnetic actuation, achieving high operating speeds while maintaining the flexibility needed for delicate object handling.
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 device achieves fast and reliable gripping of delicate and heavier objects using electromagnetic forces, eliminating the need for separate vacuum systems and minimizing mechanical wear.
Implementation Method 1
The interaction among the solenoid, the plunger, and the deformable membrane induces the membrane to provide a gripping or attractive force
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to provide a device in which the gripping action is achieved by a compliant membrane manipulated by electromagnetic forces. The gripping force is best suited for delicate objects, as it gently applies the gripping force necessary for displacement. This is accomplished through a chamber, a membrane, a plunger attached to the membrane, and a solenoid configured to manipulate the plunger, and thus, the membrane.