Guarded Robot Gripper for Precise Release of Plate Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers struggle with precise handling and delivery of thin, plate-shaped items like cardboard plates carrying food, particularly in food processing, due to difficulties in gripping, maintaining position during movement, and preventing cross-contamination.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design with movable jaw members and guard structures that lift items upright between contact surfaces, preventing lateral sliding and ensuring precise release, using materials like anti-corrosive steel and polymers, and incorporating actuators and sensors for controlled operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing pick and place devices are used to handle thin plate shaped items, then the basic gripping function is achieved, but precise delivery and arrangement of items in specific locations cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The guard structure acts as an intermediary element between the jaw members and the plate shaped item. The guard extends downward from the jaw member and contacts the leading edge of the plate, providing a mediator surface that enables precise positioning without requiring direct contact between the jaw and the entire plate surface, thus solving the precision handling problem for thin plates
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional grippers are used to grip plate shaped items from a plane surface, then gripping is achieved, but it is difficult to maintain fixed position during acceleration and deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The guard structure introduces a vertical dimension element extending downward from the horizontal jaw member. This vertical guard element contacts the leading edge of the plate, creating a dimensional reference that prevents lateral sliding during acceleration and deceleration, thus maintaining stable positioning throughout the movement cycle
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional grippers are used for food processing, then basic handling is achieved, but cross-contamination between food items cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The guard structure serves as a hygienic intermediary that contacts only the leading edge of the plate, creating a controlled contact point that minimizes contamination risk. This mediator approach allows the gripper to handle multiple food items without direct jaw contact with the food-bearing surface, thus preventing cross-contamination while maintaining operational simplicity
Data Source
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AI summary
A gripper (1) for gripping an item (2), particularly a plate shaped item. The gripper (1) comprises a base (4), and a first jaw member (5) and a second jaw member (6) movable to grip the item. To ensure release of the item from the jaw members and thereby precise delivery of the item, the gripper comprises a guard structure forming contact surfaces located such that inner surfaces of the other jaw member moves between positions on opposite sides of the contact surface when the item is gripped and released.