Magnetic Gripper With Tunable Force For Varying Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Magnetic grippers with fixed magnetic fields face challenges in handling ferromagnetic materials of varying thicknesses and can create hazards by prematurely activating and attracting unintended objects, leading to pinch or missile hazards.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic gripper system with tunable magnetic force and a range-based sensor that modulates the magnetic field to engage specific workpieces while avoiding unintended interactions, using a configuration of movable magnet arrays and pole members to adjust magnetic flux for precise handling and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic gripper uses a fixed magnetic field, then it can provide stable gripping force, but it cannot handle ferromagnetic materials of varying thicknesses and may create hazards by attracting unintended objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements movable magnet arrays that can change their position relative to each other and to the pole members, transforming a static magnetic field system into a dynamic one. This allows the magnetic field strength and distribution to be adjusted based on the thickness of the workpiece being handled, enabling adaptation to varying material dimensions while preventing premature activation that could attract unintended objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters (strength, distribution, depth) by moving the magnet arrays to different positions. This allows the system to optimize the magnetic flux for specific workpiece thicknesses, providing sufficient gripping force for thicker materials while maintaining a shallower, more controlled field for thinner materials to avoid attracting objects beyond the intended grip zone.
2Reliability
If a magnetic gripper increases magnetic force to handle thicker workpieces, then it can maintain grip on loss of power conditions, but it may cause pinch hazards and damage to workpiece or gripper
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the magnetic flux through pole members that make localized contact with the workpiece surface. This creates high magnetic density exactly where needed at the grip interface, providing strong holding force for reliability, while the magnetic field depth is controlled to decrease with distance from the pole members, preventing excessive force at a distance that could cause pinch hazards or attract unintended objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The pole members act as intermediaries between the magnet arrays and the workpiece. They transfer and concentrate the magnetic flux from the magnets to the workpiece surface, enabling strong localized gripping force for reliable handling and power loss compensation, while the flux concentration effect limits the depth of magnetic field penetration, preventing harmful effects at a distance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a magnetic gripper uses electromagnets to provide variable magnetic field, then it can adjust gripping force, but it increases device weight and complexity compared to permanent magnets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses movable permanent magnet arrays instead of electromagnets, achieving variable magnetic field capability through mechanical repositioning of the magnets rather than electrical control. This provides adaptability for different workpiece thicknesses and gripping force requirements while avoiding the wire coils, power supplies, and control electronics that would increase device complexity and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical control system (electromagnets with variable current) with a mechanical repositioning system for permanent magnets. The variable magnetic field is achieved through changing the physical position and configuration of the permanent magnets relative to the pole members and workpiece, substituting electrical variability with mechanical adjustability.
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 precise handling of ferromagnetic materials of different thicknesses and prevents hazards by activating the magnetic field only when necessary, ensuring safe engagement and release of workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
each pole member of the plurality of pole members is configured to transfer magnetic flux caused by the first magnetic interaction and the second magnetic interaction to the object
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of pole members, wherein the plurality of pole members are (i) in a first magnetic interaction with the first arrangement of magnets and (ii) in a second magnetic interaction with the second arrangement of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for magnetically gripping an object. A magnetic gripping system may comprise a gripper having different, tunable gripping states that are associated with different magnetic field strengths.