Robot Positioning of Delicate Objects Using Acoustic Levitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computer-controlled robotic devices often damage delicate objects due to excessive gripping force, which is not suitable for handling fragile components like electronics.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controlled positioning device using ultrasonic levitation and magnetic forces to support and move objects with minimal contact, employing support force elements that generate high-frequency waves to create standing waves for contact-free support and interaction force elements to adjust the object's position without physical touch.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional robotic grippers are used to grip objects, then the gripping force is sufficient to hold heavy loads, but the force is too strong and damages delicate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical gripper system with an acoustic field-based manipulation system. Ultrasonic transducers generate acoustic radiation pressure to levitate and position objects without mechanical contact, eliminating the damaging gripping forces while maintaining precise positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the robotic system and the object. The ultrasonic standing waves create acoustic radiation pressure that acts as a non-contact intermediary force to hold and manipulate delicate objects, avoiding direct mechanical contact that causes damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If contact-free manipulation is used to avoid damage, then delicate objects are protected, but precise positioning control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system using cameras to track object position and orientation. The visual feedback is processed to adjust the acoustic field parameters in real-time, enabling precise positioning control despite the contact-free nature of the manipulation method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the ultrasonic transducer activation patterns and acoustic field distribution based on real-time object position feedback. This dynamic control enables precise positioning by continuously adapting the acoustic radiation pressure distribution to match the desired object location and orientation.
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
Ensures safe and damage-free handling of delicate objects by maintaining them at a desired distance and orientation using acoustic or magnetic forces, allowing precise manipulation with minimal contact.
Implementation Method 1
support force elements that generate high-frequency waves to create standing waves for contact-free support
Implementation Method 2
A computer-controlled positioning device using ultrasonic levitation and magnetic forces to support and move objects with minimal contact
Implementation Method 3
support force elements that generate high-frequency waves to create standing waves for contact-free support
Data Source
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AI summary
A computer positions an object using a computer-controlled positioning device. The computer is operatively associated with the positioning device via a control interface. The positioning device has a substantially-hollow interior chamber. The computer identifies a selected object located at a primary location within the interior chamber and having a primary orientation with respect thereto. The computer identifies a first array of elements constructed and arranged to generate contact-free support forces sufficient to maintain the selected object at the primary location. The computer identifies a second array of elements constructed and arranged to provide contact-free interaction forces sufficient to move the selected object within the interior chamber. The computer interacts with the selected object, using the control interface to adjust at least one of either the supporting forces and the interaction forces, to place the selected object into at least one of a secondary location or a secondary orientation.