Mechanical Micro-Gripper With Screw Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-manipulation devices for manipulating micro-sized objects are complex, costly, and require intricate fabrication processes, often necessitating external power sources and instrumentation, which limits their robustness, reproducibility, and widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A micromanipulation assembly featuring a hollow frame structure with resiliently deflectable arms and a saddle mechanism, manually actuated by a micrometer, allowing for simple and cost-effective manipulation of micro-sized objects without the need for electrical power, with a fixture supporting the device for easy assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric effect-based gripping systems are used, then manipulation precision is improved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex piezoelectric actuation systems with a simple mechanical screw mechanism. The screw thread converts rotational motion into linear motion to actuate the gripper fingers, eliminating the need for piezoelectric materials, voltage control circuits, and associated fabrication complexity while maintaining precise manipulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the piezoelectric actuator component from the gripper system entirely, replacing it with a mechanical screw mechanism that is simpler to fabricate and operate. This extraction eliminates the complex electrical-to-mechanical conversion subsystem while retaining the essential gripping function.
2Force
If piezoelectric actuators are used for micro-gripper actuation, then gripping force control is improved, but fabrication cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes piezoelectric actuators with a mechanical screw mechanism that provides gripping force control through threaded engagement. The screw thread geometry and pitch determine the force characteristics, eliminating the need for expensive piezoelectric materials and complex electrical control systems while maintaining precise force control capability.
3Measurement precision
If external power sources and instrumentation are required, then manipulation precision is improved, but robustness and reproducibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-contained mechanical screw actuation system that does not require external power sources or complex instrumentation. The mechanical advantage provided by the screw thread enables precise manipulation through manual operation alone, making the system robust, reproducible, and suitable for a wide range of applications without external support systems.
4Manufacturing precision
If complex fabrication processes are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex piezoelectric fabrication processes with standard mechanical machining and assembly operations. The screw mechanism and gripper components can be manufactured using conventional manufacturing techniques, significantly improving ease of manufacture while maintaining the precision required for micro-manipulation applications through careful mechanical design.
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 solution provides a robust, cost-effective, and easy-to-operate device capable of grasping and manipulating micro-sized objects, offering improved reproducibility and reduced complexity in fabrication and operation, without the need for external power sources, enhancing its usability in various scientific fields.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of opposing resiliently deflectable arms... capable of elastic deformation to return to an un-deformed position
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for the micromanipulation of micro-sized objects includes a micromanipulation device in the form of a hollow frame having a base, resiliently deflectable arms projecting from the base and defining a gap for receiving a micro-sized object, and a saddle connected to the tips of the arms between the base and the tips. A force generating device applies a force to the saddle to deflect the tips inwards to close the gap about the micro-sized object. A fixture is provided for supporting the micromanipulation device and force generating device. The force generating device can be a micrometer. The micromanipulation device is configured for production using micro-fabrication techniques. The micromanipulation device may include a piercing element for piercing an object positioned between the arms of the device, and may further include a notch aligned with the piercing element for retaining the object.