Robotic Gripper with Electromagnet Actuator for Compact Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping modules for robots and automatic handling machines face challenges with large and potentially hazardous electric motors, which are difficult to integrate into small modules and pose safety risks when working in close proximity to people.
Innovation Solution
A gripping module design utilizing a low-power electric motor and an electromagnet with a spring device, where the electromagnet applies force to active elements to grip objects, ensuring safety and compactness, and the spring maintains grip even in power failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a sufficiently powerful electric motor is used to generate enough gripping force, then the gripping module can safely transport the gripped object, but the motor becomes comparatively large and difficult to integrate into small gripping modules
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping module is divided into functional segments: a small electric motor for positioning, an electromagnet for applying gripping force, and a spring device for maintaining force. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the motor remaining compact while the electromagnet provides the necessary gripping force without requiring the motor to be oversized.
Solution Approach 2:
An electromagnet is introduced as an intermediary component between the small electric motor and the gripping object. The electromagnet acts as a force amplifier, converting the motor's positioning capability into sufficient gripping force through electromagnetic attraction, thereby eliminating the need for a large motor to directly provide the gripping force.
2Force
If a sufficiently powerful electric motor is used to generate enough gripping force, then the gripping module can safely transport the gripped object, but the motor poses a danger if the gripping module operates in close proximity to humans
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful function of generating large gripping force is extracted from the electric motor and transferred to the electromagnet. The motor is retained only for its positioning function, while the electromagnet assumes the role of force generation. This extraction eliminates the safety hazard associated with a powerful motor while preserving the necessary gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic force generation system replaces the mechanical force generation approach. Instead of using a powerful motor to directly apply mechanical gripping force, the system uses electromagnetic attraction through the electromagnet to generate the required force, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with high-power mechanical motors.
3Device complexity
If only one active element is displaced relative to the module carrier, then the drive system is simpler, but the gripping module cannot effectively perform both internal and external gripping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is designed with dual functionality: it can displace active elements for both external gripping (where elements move toward each other) and internal gripping (where elements move apart). The same drive mechanism serves both purposes by controlling the displacement direction and magnitude, thereby achieving versatility without requiring separate drive systems for each gripping mode.
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 solution provides a compact, safe, and reliable gripping mechanism that can handle objects with minimal risk of injury and maintains grip without power, suitable for small modules and various gripping applications.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnet acting on an actuator element, whose primary task is to exert a gripping force on the gripping object by activating or deactivating the active elements when they are in contact with the gripping object
Implementation Method 2
it is the force of a spring device that exerts this force upon deactivation of the electromagnet
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~4C
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A gripping module (10) for gripping and moving objects is known, which can be used in particular on robots or handling machines. Such a gripping module (10) has a module carrier (12) and at least two working elements (20) that are displaceable relative to each other and have gripping surfaces (22A, 22B) for grasping the object. At least one of the working elements (20) is displaceable relative to the module carrier (12) by means of a drive system. It is proposed that the drive system has an electric motor (50) and, in addition, an actuator element (64) that can be displaced by means of an electromagnet (60). The electric motor (50) and the actuator element (64) are each kinematically coupled to the working element (20).