Robotic Pneumatic Gripper Circuit for Vacuum Source Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic grippers in automated warehouses face premature vacuum source deterioration due to frequent start-ups required for each object placement operation, which is not suitable for high-rate industrial 'picking' applications, and integrating complex 3-way valves leads to pressure losses and performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
A robotic pneumatic gripper with a simplified 2-way, 2-position valve system that allows continuous operation of the vacuum source by intermittently connecting the gripping member to the atmosphere, reducing pressure losses and extending the lifespan of the vacuum source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vacuum source is turned off and restarted for each object placement operation, then the gripping member can release the object, but the vacuum source deteriorates prematurely due to frequent start-ups
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic circuit is segmented into a main pipe connecting the vacuum source to the gripping member, and an auxiliary pipe with a valve that provides an alternative path to atmosphere. This segmentation allows the vacuum source to remain continuously connected and operational while the auxiliary pipe handles the release function separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary pipe with valve acts as an intermediary element between the main pneumatic circuit and the atmosphere. It provides a dedicated release path that doesn't require interrupting the vacuum source operation, thus mediating between the need for object release and vacuum source continuity.
2Productivity
If a 3-way, 2-position valve is used to control grasping and release, then industrial picking rates can be maintained, but the system complexity increases and pressure losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The release function is extracted from the main vacuum control circuit and placed in the auxiliary pipe with a simple 2-way, 2-position valve. This separation simplifies the overall system by removing the need for a complex 3-way valve while maintaining the ability to perform both grasping and release operations at industrial rates.
3Ease of operation
If a 3-way, 2-position valve is used to control the pneumatic circuit, then object release is achieved, but pressure losses increase and performance degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic circuit is segmented into a main pipe for vacuum supply and an auxiliary pipe for release, allowing each to be optimized independently. The auxiliary pipe with a simple 2-way valve creates minimal pressure loss compared to a 3-way valve, while the main pipe maintains continuous vacuum pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex 3-way valve that combines multiple functions, the system uses a simple 2-way valve in an auxiliary pipe that copies only the essential release function, reducing pressure losses and improving performance.
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 enables continuous operation of the vacuum source, reducing pressure losses and extending its lifespan, thus improving the performance and reliability of robotic grippers in high-rate industrial picking operations.
Implementation Method 1
a source of compressed air which supplies a Venturi vacuum generator via a supply pipe, the Venturi in turn connected to a suction cup via a suction pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic pneumatic gripper including a robotic arm; an effector including at least one gripping member such as a suction cup or foam; and a pneumatic circuit for controlled negative pressure at the at least one gripping member, the pneumatic circuit including a vacuum source; a main pipe connecting the vacuum source to the gripping member; and an auxiliary pipe connected to the main pipe at one or more nodes, the auxiliary pipe being provided with a valve configured to switch between a closed position where the auxiliary pipe is closed off, and an open position where the node is fluidly connected to the atmosphere.