Robotic End Effector Segmentation for Rapid Object Transport

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing end effectors for robotic systems face challenges in securely grasping and rapidly moving objects, particularly when dealing with a jumble of dissimilar objects, as they often compromise between quick object selection and secure retention during rapid movement.

Innovation Solution

The end effector system comprises a primary acquisition system and a secondary retention system. The primary acquisition system is designed to select an object from a plurality of objects, while the secondary retention system securely holds the object for rapid transport to an output destination, ensuring stability and security during transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If end effectors are designed to securely grasp objects during rapid movement, then retention reliability is improved, but object selection speed from a jumble of dissimilar objects deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject retention reliabilityVSAvoidobject selection speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is divided into two distinct subsystems: a primary acquisition system with a gripper for rapid object selection and a secondary retention system for secure object holding. The acquisition system uses simple fingers that can quickly close around objects from a jumble, while the retention system provides secure grasping during rapid movement. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Speed

If end effectors use complex mechanisms to quickly select objects from dissimilar objects, then object selection speed is improved, but the security and stability during rapid transport deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject selection speedVSAvoidobject retention reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is divided into two distinct subsystems: a primary acquisition system with a gripper for rapid object selection and a secondary retention system for secure object holding. The acquisition system uses simple fingers that can quickly close around objects from a jumble, while the retention system provides secure grasping during rapid movement. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single end effector tool is designed for specific needs, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different operations (acquisition and rapid transport) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector structure simplicityVSAvoidmulti-function adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is divided into two distinct subsystems: a primary acquisition system with a gripper for rapid object selection and a secondary retention system for secure object holding. The acquisition system uses simple fingers that can quickly close around objects from a jumble, while the retention system provides secure grasping during rapid movement. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector system combines two different gripping mechanisms (acquisition gripper and retention system) into a single integrated tool that can perform multiple functions: rapid object selection from a jumble and secure object transport during rapid movement. This multi-functionality allows the end effector to adapt to different operational requirements without needing multiple separate tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250128429A1Systems and methods for acquiring and moving objects

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 BERKSHIRE GREY OPERATING CO INC

AI summary

An end effector system is disclosed for a robotic system that includes a primary acquisition system that includes a primary end effector, and a secondary retention system that substantially surrounds at least a portion of the primary acquisition system, wherein at least a portion of the primary acquisition system may be drawn up within at least a portion of the secondary retention system such that the primary end effector system may be used to select an object from a plurality of objects, and the secondary retention system may be used to secure the object for rapid transport to an output destination.