Robotic End Effector with Flexible Suction and Rigid Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Material handling systems face challenges in efficiently handling items of different body shapes, requiring multiple robotic tools and manual orientation changes, which slows down operations and increases costs due to the need for customized end effectors and large footprints.
Innovation Solution
A robotic arm with an end effector featuring flexible suction cups and rigid grippers, actuated by a control system to grip items based on vacuum suction force, and a laser range finder to identify orientations, allowing for automatic reorientation of items from a first to a second orientation without the need for multiple tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple robotic tools with customized end effectors are used to handle items of different body shapes, then the system can accommodate various item types, but the device complexity and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal robotic tool with an end effector that can handle multiple item types (rigid and flexible body shapes) through a single device. The end effector incorporates both rigid grippers and flexible suction cups that can be selectively activated based on item characteristics, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing system complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector employs dynamic activation of different gripping mechanisms based on real-time item detection. The system can switch between rigid gripper activation for rigid items and flexible suction cup activation for flexible items, allowing a single tool to adapt its functionality dynamically to match the item being handled, thereby reducing the need for multiple static tools
2Ease of operation
If manual orientation changes are performed for items during handling, then item reorientation can be achieved, but the productivity and speed of material handling decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system performs automatic item detection and reorientation without manual intervention. The end effector autonomously detects item characteristics and orientation requirements, then executes appropriate reorientation maneuvers using its integrated gripping mechanisms, enabling the system to serve itself and maintain high productivity while achieving proper item orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical reorientation operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensor detection and controlled robotic movement. The system substitutes human-operated mechanical adjustments with automated detection and actuation mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation while dramatically increasing handling speed and productivity
3Manufacturing precision
If customized end effectors are deployed for different item types, then item handling precision can be improved, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single universal end effector that can handle both rigid and flexible items with high precision. The device incorporates multiple gripping mechanisms (rigid grippers and flexible suction cups) within one unit, allowing it to achieve item-specific precision without requiring multiple customized end effectors, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The end effector dynamically selects and activates the appropriate gripping mechanism based on detected item characteristics. For rigid items, rigid grippers are activated for precise handling; for flexible items, flexible suction cups are activated for gentle yet precise manipulation. This dynamic adaptation allows a single device to achieve the precision of customized tools without the complexity of maintaining multiple specialized end effectors
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
Enables efficient handling of items of various shapes by a single robotic tool, reducing operational delays and costs by automating the reorientation process, improving throughput in material handling environments.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible suction cup configured to engage a surface of the item based on a vacuum suction force generated through the flexible suction cup
Implementation Method 2
a rigid gripper configured to engage a surface of the item based on a vacuum suction force generated through the rigid gripper
Implementation Method 3
a laser range finder adapted to identify the item in the first orientation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An end effector (106) comprising: a first end configured to be rotatably engaged to an end of a robotic arm (104); a second end; a gripper unit (360) attached at the second end of the end effector, the gripper unit being configured to grip an item (110), the gripper unit comprising: at least one flexible suction cup (362); and at least one rigid gripper (364), wherein each of the at least one flexible suction cup and the at least one rigid gripper are in fluid communication with at least one vacuum generator, and wherein each of the at least one flexible suction cup and the at least one rigid gripper are configured to engage a surface of the item based on a vacuum suction force generated by the at least one vacuum generator through, selectively: in a first material handling procedure, the at least one flexible suction cup; in a second material handling procedure, the at least one rigid gripper; and in a third material handling procedure, the at least one flexible suction cup and the at least one rigid gripper.