Permeable End Effector Assembly for Reduced Part Surface Marks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing end effectors cause undesirable marks such as indentations, wrinkles, creases, and twists when grabbing and moving parts, and there is a need for an end effector assembly that can perform both picking and compaction without leaving such marks.
Innovation Solution
An end effector assembly with a housing comprising a first, second, and third component that cooperatively form a pocket, containing a permeable component with perforations for fluid communication, and a vacuum system to attach and compact parts without causing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional end effectors are used to grab and move parts, then the parts can be transported to the desired location, but undesirable marks such as indentations, wrinkles, creases, and twists are caused on the parts
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector incorporates a permeable component with a porous structure that allows uniform vacuum distribution across the part surface. This porous design enables gentle holding without concentrated pressure points that would cause marks, while still providing sufficient suction force for secure part handling and transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector uses a vacuum system with a permeable component that distributes vacuum force uniformly across the part surface. This pneumatic approach replaces traditional mechanical gripping that causes marks, allowing the part to be held securely without physical contact points that would create indentations, wrinkles, or creases during handling and transport.
2Force
If compaction force is applied to the part, then the part can be compacted effectively, but undesirable marks may be left on the part surface
Solution Approach 1:
The permeable component with porous structure distributes compaction force uniformly across the entire part surface rather than concentrating force at specific contact points. This uniform distribution achieves effective compaction while preventing localized pressure marks, indentations, or surface deformations that would occur with traditional compaction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector changes the pressure distribution parameter from concentrated to uniform across the part surface. By using a permeable component that distributes vacuum and compaction forces evenly, the system achieves effective compaction force while maintaining part surface integrity and avoiding undesirable marks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a permeable component with perforations is used, then vacuum force can be evenly distributed to prevent marks, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permeable component with integrated porous structure provides uniform vacuum distribution without requiring complex external mechanisms. The porous material itself acts as the distribution network, eliminating the need for additional channels or complex internal passages, thus achieving mark-free handling with relatively simple device architecture.
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 assembly minimizes undesirable marks on parts during picking and placing by evenly distributing vacuum force and providing structural rigidity, enabling efficient movement and compaction of parts.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system to attach and compact parts without causing damage
Implementation Method 2
The permeable component is contained inside of the pocket. The third component defines a plurality of perforations to allow fluid communication through the third component
Data Source
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AI summary
An end effector assembly includes a housing and a permeable component. The housing includes a first component having a first edge and a second edge spaced from each other relative to a central axis to define a pocket therebetween. The housing also includes a second component attached to the first edge of the first component. The housing further includes a third component attached to the second edge of the first component. The first component, the second component, and the third component cooperate with each other to close the pocket. The permeable component is contained inside of the pocket. The third component defines a plurality of perforations to allow fluid communication through the third component.