Modular Gripper Head With Internal Air Channels for Fast Tool Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic grippers are costly and time-consuming to develop and maintain for handling diverse workpieces, requiring a large library of end effectors.
Innovation Solution
A modular gripper head system with interchangeable tooling components, including suction cups, mechanical fingers, and magnets, connected via internal channels for air and wiring, allowing quick change and adaptation to different tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large library of robot end effectors is maintained to handle different workpieces, then the robot can perform many different tasks, but the cost and complexity of maintenance increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper head is designed with a universal attachment interface that can accommodate multiple tool types (suction cups, mechanical fingers, magnets) through a single standardized mounting section, allowing one gripper head body to perform multiple functions instead of requiring separate end effectors for each tool type
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector system is divided into separate modular components: a reusable gripper head body and interchangeable tool sections. The tool section can be quickly detached and replaced while the main gripper head body remains, reducing the complexity of maintaining multiple complete end effectors
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different robot process end effectors are developed for different tasks, then the robot can be deployed for a growing number of tasks, but the development cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single gripper head body design serves as a universal platform that can be configured for different tasks by attaching various tool sections, eliminating the need to develop multiple complete end effector systems for different applications
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper head incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features, including variable cross-sectional area channels for optimized air flow to different tool configurations, allowing the same hardware to adapt dynamically to different tooling requirements without redesign
3Ease of manufacture
If the gripper head uses parallel planes for ports, then the internal channel structure is simpler, but air flow efficiency and tool performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The internal channel cross-sectional area is varied along its length rather than maintaining a uniform geometry, with the cross-section increasing in specific segments to optimize air flow velocity and pressure distribution to the tool interface, improving air flow efficiency without requiring a completely complex external structure
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper head is for a robotic gripping system. The gripper head body has an attachment section and a tool section defining an attachment region for a tool. The attachment section is configured to attach the gripper head body to a mount of a robot. The gripper head body has a first port at the attachment section and a second port at the tool section. The gripper head body defines an internal channel mutually connecting the first port and the second port. The internal channel is configured to pass air between the first port at the attachment section and the second port at the tool section.