High Flow Vacuum End Effectors with Adaptive Load Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic and sortation systems face challenges in accommodating a wide variety of objects with high flow vacuum control, particularly in maintaining secure grasps on items of varying sizes, weights, and surface properties, while ensuring efficient air flow.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a high flow vacuum source and load detection mechanism for end effectors, allowing selection between high vacuum and high flow modes, and using compliant covers with air-resistant and compliant materials to adapt to different objects, along with load assessment to ensure stable grasping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If high vacuum sources (Venturi ejectors) are used to achieve strong gripping force, then vacuum pressure is improved, but air flow rate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high vacuum mode (for secure gripping) and high flow mode (for efficient air exchange) based on real-time load detection and vacuum level monitoring, allowing the end effector to adapt vacuum source selection to current operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by switching between different vacuum sources (high vacuum Venturi ejector vs. high flow blower) based on the detected load characteristics, enabling optimization of either vacuum pressure or air flow rate depending on the specific task requirements
2Quantity of substance
If high flow devices (blowers, air amplifiers) are used to achieve high air flow rate, then air flow rate is improved, but vacuum pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between high vacuum mode (for secure gripping) and high flow mode (for efficient air exchange) based on real-time load detection and vacuum level monitoring, allowing the end effector to adapt vacuum source selection to current operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by switching between different vacuum sources (high vacuum Venturi ejector vs. high flow blower) based on the detected load characteristics, enabling optimization of either vacuum pressure or air flow rate depending on the specific task requirements
3Reliability
If good seal between vacuum gripper and object is achieved, then gripping reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a flexible bellows-like end effector structure that can deform to conform to various object shapes, creating effective seals without complex mechanical sealing components. The flexible material allows the gripper to adapt to different object geometries while maintaining sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system adjusts the vacuum level parameter dynamically based on detected load characteristics, allowing the same physical structure to achieve reliable sealing across different object types and conditions without requiring complex adaptive sealing mechanisms
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 secure and efficient grasping and transport of diverse objects by dynamically adjusting vacuum and flow rates, accommodating varying loads and balances, thereby enhancing the versatility and reliability of robotic systems.
Implementation Method 1
a high flow vacuum source that provides an opening with an area of high flow vacuum at the end effector
Implementation Method 2
provides high flow vacuum... permitting substantial flow of air through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for providing high flow vacuum control to an end effector of an articulated arm. The system includes a high flow vacuum source that provides an opening with an area of high flow vacuum at the end effector such that objects may be engaged while permitting substantial flow of air through the opening, and a load detection system for characterizing the load presented by the object.