Mechanically Actuated End of Arm Tooling for Exo-Suits
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Solution Overview
Problem
End-of-arm tooling devices for exo-suits are specialized for specific shapes and sizes of objects, leading to increased operational costs and inefficiencies when power sources fail during material handling, disrupting manufacturing operations.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical device with a pivotally connected upper and lower arm configuration, featuring tracks and protrusions for grasping objects without a power source, allowing for universal adaptation to various shapes and sizes through interchangeable adapters and a biasing mechanism for secure object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If end-of-arm tooling devices are specially designed for specific shapes and sizes of objects, then grasping precision is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single end-of-arm tooling device with an interchangeable adapter system that can grasp multiple shapes and sizes of objects. The adapter includes a lower arm with tracks and an upper arm with protrusions that can be reconfigured for different object types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices while maintaining grasping precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tooling device into modular components: a base device, interchangeable adapters, lower arms, upper arms, and engagement members. This segmentation allows different components to be assembled and reconfigured for specific grasping tasks, providing specialization when needed while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized end-of-arm tooling devices are kept in stock for different objects, then adaptability is improved, but loss of substance and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need to stock multiple specialized devices by creating a universal base device that can handle various objects through interchangeable adapters. This reduces inventory requirements and operational costs while maintaining full adaptability to different object shapes and sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables quick swapping of adapters between different tasks, allowing the system to transition from handling one object type to another by simply replacing the adapter rather than switching entirely different devices. This reduces waste and optimizes resource utilization.
3Productivity
If power sources are used to actuate end-of-arm tooling devices, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates when power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a mechanical actuation system where the operator directly manipulates the adapter and arms through manual effort. The biasing mechanism provides automatic return motion, eliminating the need for external power sources while ensuring continuous operation even when power is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces powered actuation systems (electrical, pneumatic, or hydraulic) with a pure mechanical actuation system using manual input, biasing mechanisms, and mechanical linkages. This substitution eliminates dependency on power sources while maintaining operational efficiency through mechanical advantage.
4Ease of operation
If powered actuation systems are used in end-of-arm tooling devices, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability worsens during power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuation system allows direct manual operation of the adapter and arms, providing tactile feedback and intuitive control. The biasing mechanism automatically returns components to their initial positions, reducing the effort required for each grasping cycle while ensuring operation continues without power.
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical device for grasping an object includes a lower arm defining a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, an inner profile, and at least one track disposed along a portion of the lower arm between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. An upper arm is pivotally connected to the lower arm, the upper arm defining a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and an inner profile. An actuator is pivotally connected to the proximal end portion of the upper arm, the actuator including at least one protrusion slidably disposed within the track of the lower arm.