Robotic Gripper With Inflatable Bellows for Irregular Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic gripping devices have limited range of motion and difficulty in securely grasping irregularly shaped or delicate objects, often requiring multiple arms to achieve a versatile grip.
Innovation Solution
A robotic gripping device with a flexible elongated core and radially protruding bellows, actuated by inflation and deflation of a hollow interior, allowing for a wide range of motions including expansion, bending, and curling, using pneumatic or hydraulic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid gripping jaws are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the range of motion is limited and cannot securely grasp irregularly shaped or delicate objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible bellows made of elastomeric materials that can bend and deform to accommodate various object shapes. These flexible bellows replace rigid gripping jaws, enabling the gripper to adapt its geometry to match the contours of delicate or irregular objects while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper incorporates dynamic elements including flexible bellows that can change shape in real-time and a movable finger joint that allows the gripper to transition between different gripping configurations. This dynamic capability enables the gripper to adjust its range of motion adaptively for different tasks and object geometries.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robotic arms are used to achieve a versatile grip, then the gripping capability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single robotic gripper is designed with multi-functional capabilities through its flexible bellows and movable joint mechanism. The same gripper structure can perform various gripping tasks including grasping delicate objects, handling irregular shapes, and providing secure holds, eliminating the need for multiple specialized arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is divided into modular segments including flexible bellows and a movable finger joint. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions while working together to achieve versatile gripping capability, reducing the need for multiple separate robotic arms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If soft robotics with flexible materials are used, then the ability to handle delicate and odd-shaped objects is improved, but the range of motion remains limited compared to traditional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
A movable finger joint acts as an intermediary mechanism between the flexible bellows and the object being gripped. This joint enables the flexible materials to achieve a wider range of motion by providing a mechanical advantage that amplifies the deformation capability of the soft robotics components.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic gripping device with a flexible, elongated core and a hollow interior. Bellows protrude radially from the elongated core. The interior is inflated and/or deflated to produce a predetermined motion based on the configuration of the bellows.