Resilient Picking Device With Deformable Depression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing picking devices for workpieces require complex and expensive mechanisms with high precision control, limiting their versatility and efficiency in handling various shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
A picking device with a collector arm and a collector head featuring a resilient, pliable front piece with a depression contour matching the workpiece shape, allowing for a press fit and optional vacuum assistance to securely grasp and release workpieces, enabling efficient handling of diverse shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex mechanism with high precision control is used for the collector head, then the picking accuracy and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collector head uses a flexible bladder made of elastomeric material that can deform to conform to the workpiece surface. This flexible membrane approach replaces complex rigid mechanical mechanisms, achieving reliable picking through elastic deformation and vacuum adhesion while significantly reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gripping mechanisms with a vacuum-based system using a flexible bladder. The vacuum pressure field creates uniform contact force across the workpiece surface without requiring complex mechanical linkages, joints, or actuators, thereby improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity
2Reliability
If a contoured depression collector head is used to match workpiece shape, then the picking reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different workpiece shapes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector head employs a dynamically flexible bladder that can change its contour to match different workpiece geometries. Unlike fixed contoured depressions, the elastomeric material allows the collector head to adapt its shape dynamically, maintaining reliable vacuum contact across various workpiece shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible bladder design provides universal applicability across multiple workpiece types. A single collector head configuration can effectively pick various shapes by deforming to conform to each specific geometry, eliminating the need for multiple specialized collector heads for different workpiece types
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid collector head structure is used, then the manufacturing precision can be maintained, but the ability to conform to workpiece surfaces and prevent damage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The collector head uses a flexible elastomeric bladder that can deform to conform to the workpiece surface contour. This flexibility prevents stress concentration and localized damage that would occur with rigid structures, while the uniform vacuum distribution maintains effective picking without creating harmful contact stresses
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material of the bladder provides inherent cushioning before contact with the workpiece. The material's elasticity absorbs impact forces and distributes pressure uniformly, preventing damage beforehand rather than relying on precise rigid positioning that could create stress points
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 a cost-effective, flexible, and efficient means to pick and transport workpieces of different shapes and sizes, reducing the need for high precision control and minimizing damage to workpieces and equipment.
Implementation Method 1
the body being formed in a resilient, pliable material... the sidewalls of the depression squeezes on surfaces of the workpiece to hold the workpiece in place
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum port formed through base and connectable to a vacuum pump; and a suction inlet formed through the bottom surface of the depression
Implementation Method 3
the workpiece received and held between the sidewalls of the depression, may be released from the sidewalls of the depression by a blow of pressurized gas through a channel though the collector head
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A picking device (1) for picking workpieces (100) of a predetermined type from a worktable surface (2), the workpieces (100) having two surfaces (161, 162) facing away from each other, the picking device (1) comprising - a collector arm (10) having a first end (11) and a second end (12); - a collector head (19) provided at the second end (12) of the collector arm (10); wherein the collector head (19) comprises - a base (20) connecting to the second end (12) of the collector arm, and - a front piece (50) arranged distalmost on the collector head (19), wherein the front piece (50) is formed in a resilient, pliable material, and comprises a distalmost surface (52, 52', 52'') and a depression (60) extending inward from the distalmost surface (52, 52', 52''), such that the depression comprises two mutually facing sidewalls (61, 62), which mutually facing sidewalls (61, 62) are configured to cooperate with said two surfaces (161, 162) of the workpiece (100) to be collected.