Magnetic Coupling for Robotic End Effector Tool Changer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current pick and place robotic systems face challenges in efficiently sorting and placing objects with varying sizes and orientations, often resulting in collisions and inefficient use of space, while also risking damage to objects due to imperfect perception and motion control.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system equipped with a robotic arm, vision system, and end effector that uses artificial intelligence and computer vision to determine optimal grip points and orientations, choose between suction and finger grippers, and adjust suction nozzle sizes to minimize object damage and collisions, while also optimizing object placement for maximum space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robotic systems use traditional mechanical grippers for object manipulation, then gripping force can be controlled, but object damage risk increases due to imperfect perception and motion control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical grippers with a magnetic coupling system. The end effector uses magnetic attraction forces to hold and manipulate objects without mechanical contact, eliminating the risk of mechanical stress and damage. The magnetic field provides a contactless gripping mechanism that maintains object integrity while enabling precise manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the robotic system and the object. This magnetic intermediary transmits the holding and manipulation forces without direct mechanical contact, reducing harmful mechanical stress on the object while maintaining reliable control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If robotic systems sort objects with varying sizes and orientations, then sorting capability improves, but collisions increase due to imperfect perception and motion control
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system replaces mechanical contact-based manipulation with contactless magnetic field interaction. This eliminates collisions during object manipulation and sorting, as the magnetic field can adjust its force distribution to accommodate objects of varying sizes and orientations without physical impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system dynamically adjusts its field distribution and force characteristics to adapt to objects with varying sizes, shapes, and orientations. This dynamic adaptation enables versatile sorting capability while maintaining collision-free manipulation through real-time field modulation.
3Productivity
If traditional end effectors are used for object manipulation, then system complexity is reduced, but space utilization efficiency decreases due to suboptimal placement
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling end effector serves multiple functions: gripping, manipulating, orienting, and placing objects of varying sizes and orientations. This universal capability enables optimized space utilization in sorting and placement operations without requiring multiple specialized devices, maintaining system simplicity while improving productivity.
4Productivity
If robotic systems operate at high speed for efficient sorting, then productivity increases, but object damage risk increases due to imperfect perception and motion control
Solution Approach 1:
The contactless magnetic coupling system enables high-speed sorting operations without the object damage risks associated with mechanical contact. The magnetic field can rapidly accelerate and decelerate objects without impact, allowing high productivity while maintaining object integrity through non-mechanical manipulation.
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 effectively minimizes object damage, reduces collisions, and maximizes space efficiency in sorting and placement, ensuring stable and efficient operation even with novel or untrained objects.
Implementation Method 1
the first magnetic ring and the second magnetic ring are configured to automatically couple together via a magnetic field in an aligned manner
Implementation Method 2
The detachable tool has a suction cup at the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
Magnetic coupling mechanisms for robotic arm end effectors are disclosed. In particular, a magnetic coupling mechanism couples a detachable tool, such as a suction gripper, to a tool changer base of a robotic arm tool of an end effector. Magnetic coupling between the robotic arm tool and the detachable tool allows for breakaway when a sufficient force is applied to the robotic arm tool and/or the detachable tool to separate the two. The decoupling may be achieved via a tool rack. An exemplary system for coupling a detachable tool to a motion device includes a first magnetic ring affixed to a distal end of the motion device, where an inside of the first magnetic ring forms a first hollow chamber; and a second magnetic ring affixed to a proximal end of the detachable tool, where an inside of the detachable tool forms a second hollow chamber.