Robotic Gripper Finger Assembly With Adhesive-Free Pad Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional finger sub-assemblies in robotic grippers use adhesives to secure high-friction pads, which degrade over time, leading to detachment issues, especially when picking grocery items, and require food-safe adhesives that are difficult to replace.
Innovation Solution
The high-friction pad is received within a recessed area of the base unit, forming an interference fit with a tapered cutout and rigid plate, eliminating the need for adhesives and facilitating easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the high-friction pad to the base unit, then the pad is initially held in position, but the adhesive degrades over time leading to detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical interference fit system. The cutout and high-friction pad are configured with complementary tapered geometries that create a press-fit mechanical connection, eliminating the need for adhesive and providing a durable attachment that does not degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is divided into distinct geometric components: a cutout in the base unit and a corresponding high-friction pad with matching dimensions. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently with precise tolerances that enable the interference fit, while also allowing easy replacement of the high-friction pad without affecting the base unit.
2Strength
If adhesive is used to secure the high-friction pad, then the pad is held firmly, but replacing the pad becomes difficult when adhesive degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical interference fit system allows the high-friction pad to be inserted and retained through friction and geometric interlocking, yet can be easily removed by applying axial force or using a removal tool. This eliminates the permanent bonding characteristic of adhesives while maintaining strong holding force during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from a static permanent bond (adhesive) to a dynamic mechanical connection that can be easily assembled and disassembled. The tapered geometry provides progressive engagement during insertion, ensuring proper alignment and secure fit, while allowing controlled removal when needed for maintenance or replacement.
3Reliability
If adhesive is used to secure the high-friction pad, then attachment is achieved, but food-safe requirements cannot be satisfied
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the chemical adhesive bonding system with a purely mechanical interference fit system, the patent eliminates the need for food-safe adhesive certification. The mechanical connection achieves equivalent or superior attachment reliability without introducing chemical substances that could contaminate food items, thereby satisfying food safety regulatory requirements.
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
This configuration ensures secure attachment of the high-friction pad without adhesives, meeting regulatory requirements and reducing maintenance complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a cutout defining the recessed area and the high-friction pad are configured to form an interference fit
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a finger sub-assembly (142) for the gripper assembly (122) of a robotic manipulator. The finger sub-assembly comprises a base unit (144) connectable to the gripper assembly by a mount (140) and a high-friction pad (146) for contacting an article during its manipulation, with the high-friction pad being mechanically secured to the base unit.