Robotic Gripper Pressure Feedback for Delicate Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems lack the sophistication to detect and prevent excessive force when gripping objects, leading to potential damage, as existing systems fail to recognize force thresholds, resulting in unintended damage to delicate items.
Innovation Solution
A robotic system equipped with an end-effector featuring a suction cup assembly and a contact limit sensor that detects pressure exceeding a threshold, transmitting information to a controller to limit movement and prevent damage to objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the end-effector applies force to grasp the object, then the object can be held and manipulated, but the force may exceed safe thresholds and damage the object
Solution Approach 1:
The contact limit sensor provides real-time feedback on the force applied by the suction cup assembly to the object. When the sensor detects that the contact force exceeds a predetermined threshold, it sends a signal to the controller, which then limits further movement of the end-effector toward the object, preventing excessive force application and potential damage
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a predetermined contact threshold before operation begins. This threshold serves as a pre-set safety limit that the controller uses to determine when to restrict end-effector movement, preventing damage before it occurs rather than reacting after damage has happened
2Productivity
If the robotic system increases gripping capability, then it can handle more objects, but it loses the sophistication to detect and prevent excessive force on delicate items
Solution Approach 1:
The contact limit sensor continuously monitors the force applied during object handling and provides feedback to the controller. This enables the system to distinguish between normal gripping forces and potentially damaging forces, allowing reliable and safe handling of delicate objects while maintaining productivity
3Ease of operation
If the end-effector moves toward the object to improve grasping, then better contact is achieved, but excessive movement may apply damaging pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The contact limit sensor monitors the pressure applied as the end-effector moves toward the object. When the sensor detects that the contact pressure exceeds the predetermined threshold, it triggers the controller to limit further movement, ensuring accurate grasping without applying damaging pressure
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 system effectively prevents damage to objects by limiting end-effector movement when excessive pressure is detected, enhancing the robotic system's ability to handle delicate items safely.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction cup configured to couple to a vacuum pressure source
Implementation Method 2
The contact limit sensor configured to detect a pressure associated with the engagement between the suction cup assembly and the object based on displacement of the first suction cup and the second section cup relative to the housing
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic system is provided. The robotic system may include an end-effector configured for grasping an object, a sensor unit monitoring contact information received from the contact limit sensor, and a controller, coupled to the sensor unit. The end-effector may include a suction cup assembly for engaging the object, and a contact limit sensor for detecting a pressure associated with the engagement between the suction cup assembly and the object, wherein the contact limit sensor transmits contact information when the contact limit sensor detects the pressure exceeding a contact threshold. The controller may execute an operation for controlling the end-effector to limit movement of the end-effector toward the object based on the contact information received to prevent damage to the object.