Robotic Grippers With Convex Contact for Under-Object Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation technologies are inefficient in handling and moving goods within distribution centers, as they often require human labor for tasks like loading and unloading trailers and pallets, and picking and packing, which are labor-intensive and repetitive, leading to inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The development of robots with end effectors and grippers that support objects from below, allowing for reliable and damage-free manipulation and movement of objects, utilizing convex gripping surfaces for enhanced frictional contact and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional automation technologies are used for handling goods, then productivity is improved, but reliability and damage prevention deteriorate due to inability to perform tasks like loading/unloading and picking/packing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a robotic arm with specialized end effector that bridges the gap between automated conveyor systems and manual handling tasks. The end effector with movable fingers and adjustable grippers acts as a mediator that can perform delicate picking, packing, loading, and unloading operations, enabling automation to reliably complete tasks previously requiring human dexterity and judgment.
2Reliability
If human labor is used for repetitive tasks like loading/unloading and picking/packing, then reliability is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to labor intensity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system with intelligent end effector performs picking, packing, loading, and unloading operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. The system uses sensors, controllers, and programmable logic to make decisions about grasping, positioning, and manipulating goods, enabling self-service operation that maintains reliability while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repetitive manual labor.
3Ease of operation
If conventional grippers are used for object manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but object damage increases due to lack of support from below
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional gripping approach by providing support from below rather than only from above or the sides. The end effector includes a base plate with support surfaces that contact the bottom of objects, while movable fingers provide additional contact points. This inverted support structure distributes weight and manipulation forces more evenly, preventing damage while maintaining ease of operation.
4Productivity
If simple automation is implemented, then productivity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to handle diverse goods
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system incorporates dynamic, adjustable components including movable fingers, adjustable gripper openings, and programmable control logic that can adapt to different object sizes, shapes, and weights. The end effector can change its configuration and grasping strategy based on real-time sensor feedback and programmed parameters, enabling high-speed automation to handle diverse goods including packages, totes, and various product types without requiring physical reconfiguration.
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 and reliable automation of tasks such as moving goods within distribution centers, reducing labor intensity and improving productivity by supporting objects from below, thus reducing damage and increasing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing convex gripping surfaces for enhanced frictional contact
Data Source
AI summary
A robot in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present technology is configured for bimanual manipulation of objects. The robot includes a body and two arms individually defining an arm length and including an end effector, an end effector joint proximally adjacent to the end effector along a kinematic chain corresponding to the arm, and a gripper proximal to the end effector along the arm length. The end effector joint is configured to rotate the end effector relative to the gripper. The robot is configured to move at least a portion of a bottom surface of an object away from a support surface by applying force to the object via frictional interfaces between convex gripping surfaces of the grippers and side surfaces of the object. This creates a gap into which paddles of the end effectors can be inserted to support the object from below.