Pneumatic Device for Elongated Object Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic and pneumatic systems for manipulating elongated objects in medical and industrial contexts face challenges such as complex structures, axial bulk, incompatibility with medical imaging technologies, limited adaptation to objects with variable diameters, and the need for multiple supply lines, which can compromise safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic device with a hollow body of annular or tubular shape, featuring elastically deformable membranes and chambers in fluid communication, allowing for controlled movement of elongated objects using a single supply line, enabling precise and adaptive manipulation without modifying the object's geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple supply lines are used for different active components of movement devices, then the device can perform multiple functions, but the device complexity and difficulty of synchronization control increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pneumatic supply lines into a single supply line that serves all active components (jaws and central part) of the movement device. The single line delivers pressurized fluid that is distributed to different chambers through internal pathways, eliminating the need for multiple external supply lines and their complex synchronization control while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single supply line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it supplies pressurized fluid to the jaws for gripping, to the central part for axial deformation, and enables coordinated operation of all components. This universal supply line replaces multiple specialized lines, reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Extent of automation
If inch-worm type kinematics with multiple components are used, then the device can achieve step-by-step movement, but the device complexity and axial footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional zones (jaws and central part) that work together in a coordinated sequence. The segmentation is achieved through pneumatic zoning rather than mechanical component multiplication, allowing step-by-step movement through controlled pressure distribution to different segments while minimizing overall component count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure distribution through a single supply line to achieve the inch-worm type step-by-step movement. By controlling pressure distribution to different chambers (jaws and central part) through internal fluid pathways, the system achieves automated sequential movement without requiring multiple complex mechanical components or supply lines.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid holding structures are used, then the device provides stable support, but the ability to adapt to objects with varying diameters decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic system where the central part can undergo controlled axial deformation. This dynamic capability allows the device to adapt its internal geometry to match objects of varying diameters and lengths while maintaining stable holding through pneumatic pressure control, combining both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical parameters (axial length, internal volume, gripping force) through controlled pneumatic pressure applied to the central part. This parameter modulation enables the device to adapt to objects with varying diameters and lengths while maintaining stable and secure holding, without requiring mechanical reconfiguration.
4Ease of operation
If a single supply line is used, then the fluid management is simplified, but the control of multiple chambers becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The single supply line acts as an intermediary that distributes pressurized fluid to multiple chambers through internal pathways. The system uses pressure differential and flow resistance as mediators to automatically route fluid to the appropriate chambers (jaws or central part) based on operational needs, simplifying fluid management while maintaining precise control through pneumatic pressure regulation.
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 device provides safe, efficient, and adaptable manipulation of elongated objects with minimal axial and radial compliance, simplifying fluid management and ensuring high precision and safety, especially in medical and industrial applications where object geometry variability is common.
Implementation Method 1
the end part(s) or segment(s) forming jaws comprise, as portions of walls intended to come into contact with the elongated object during the clamping phase, elastically deformable membranes
Implementation Method 2
the chambers of the two end parts or segments are in fluidic communication with the chamber of the middle or central part or segment by means of each of at least one respective calibrated flow means, the injection of pressurized gaseous fluid being carried out by means of a single supply line
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~3G
Figure 4~4B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a pneumatic device for holding and moving an elongate object, comprising an annular hollow body through which the object passes and which is composed of two end parts forming jaws and a median segment connecting the two jaws to each other, with ease of movement of one with respect to the other under the effect of a controlled deformation of at least one portion of said median segment. Device (1) characterized in that the various parts (5, 5', 6) of the hollow body (1') define respective chambers (7, 7', 6'), in that the jaws (5, 5') have elastically deformable internal membranes (8, 8'), in that the chambers (7, 7') of the two end parts (5, 5') are in fluidic communication with the chamber (6') of the median segment (6), in each case by way of at least one respective calibrated flow means (9, 9'), the injection of pressurized gaseous fluid being effected by way of a single feed line (10, 10').