Mechanical End-of-Arm Suction Tool for Label-Safe Grasping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cups on robotic end-of-arm tools face inefficiencies in control and often inadvertently remove labels or deform flexible films, leading to handling errors in fulfillment centers and similar facilities.
Innovation Solution
Mechanically intelligent end-of-arm tools apply a contact force to the label before suction, using a spool, poppet, or butterfly valve mechanism to enhance adhesion and prevent label separation, with no external actuator required, allowing controlled vacuum application to grasp items effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional suction cups are used for grasping items, then the grasping function is achieved, but labels may be inadvertently removed or flexible films may be deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by using a button component to press down on labels or flexible films before the suction cup engages with the item. This preliminary pressing action secures the label or film to the item surface, preventing it from being removed or deformed during the subsequent suction grasping process. The button component is positioned to contact the label/film first, establishing a stable condition before vacuum is applied.
2Measurement precision
If instrumentation and controls are added to improve suction cup control, then grasping precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing a mechanically intelligent system where the button component is automatically actuated by the motion of the robotic arm itself. As the arm moves the tool into engagement with the item, the button is naturally pressed down against the label or film without requiring separate actuators, sensors, or control systems. This mechanical self-actuation provides precise control while avoiding the complexity of additional instrumentation.
3Device complexity
If mechanical intelligence is implemented without external actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic control systems with a purely mechanical solution. The button component's actuation is substituted from an electronically controlled actuator to a mechanically passive element that is naturally actuated by the kinetic energy and motion of the robotic arm during its normal operation. This mechanical substitution maintains control precision through the physical dynamics of the system while eliminating the need for external actuators and complex control electronics.
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 improves the efficiency of item handling by ensuring accurate grasping and reducing downstream processing errors, particularly for items with labels or flexible films, by applying a contact force before vacuum engagement, thus enhancing contact and preventing unintended picking or label separation.
Implementation Method 1
end effectors sometimes employ suction cups for engaging a surface of an item and using a negative or suction pressure or vacuum to grasp the item
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanically intelligent end-of-arm tool includes a valve that is actuated by the action of the arm, such that a force applied to the object to be grasped opens the valve to expose a suction cup to the vacuum pressure. A spool valve, poppet valve, and butterfly valve, et al., can perform the valve function. The tool may include a button that has a rigid contact surface or may be deformable to provide a smoothing force to the object.