Rotary Actuator Gripper Head for Versatile Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The development of robotic grippers that can handle diverse workpieces is costly and time-consuming, as existing grippers require extensive libraries and frequent redeployment, which complicates tasks in collaborative robotics settings.
Innovation Solution
A rotary actuator for gripper heads that can rotate and supply tools with negative and positive pressure, allowing for versatile tool attachment and quick repositioning of workpieces without requiring the entire robot to be moved, thereby reducing programming time and cycle time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single robot is used for multiple tasks with different workpieces, then cost is reduced, but the robot requires frequent redeployment and adaptation which increases programming time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper head is equipped with a rotary actuator that enables dynamic reconfiguration of the tool orientation and position. This allows the robot to adapt to different workpieces and tasks by rotating the gripper head to appropriate angles, eliminating the need for extensive programming redeployment while maintaining versatility across multiple tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The rotary actuator integrated into the gripper head provides multi-functional capability by enabling the same robot-end effector combination to handle various workpiece orientations and positions. This universal design allows a single robot to perform multiple tasks without requiring task-specific gripper configurations, reducing both cost and programming time
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single robot is used for multiple tasks with different workpieces, then cost is reduced, but the robot requires frequent redeployment and adaptation which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator is merged directly into the gripper head structure, combining the gripping function with rotational movement capability. This integration eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reduces overall system complexity while enabling the gripper to handle multiple workpiece orientations and positions with a single unified device
3Ease of operation
If the robot is moved to reposition workpieces, then workpiece handling is achieved, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary actuator enables rapid dynamic repositioning of the workpiece by rotating the gripper head to different orientations and positions. This dynamic adjustment occurs much faster than moving the entire robot, significantly reducing cycle time while maintaining ease of workpiece handling and repositioning capability
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 enables efficient handling of various workpieces by reducing the need for extensive robot reconfiguration, lowering costs and time required for gripper development and maintenance, and enhancing the operational efficiency of collaborative robots.
Implementation Method 1
the through passage having a first port for receiving at least one of negative pressure and positive pressure
Implementation Method 2
the through passage having a first port for receiving at least one of negative pressure and positive pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper head assembly is for a robotic gripping system and includes an actuator. The actuator includes: an actuator body having an attachment region configured to attach the actuator body to the gripper head; a drive element having a mounting section for a tool; a drive having a connector configured to receive an input; the drive being configured to move the drive element upon receiving the input; the drive element defining a through passage; the through passage having a first port for receiving at least one of negative pressure and positive pressure; and, the through passage having an outlet at the mounting section configured to supply the tool with the at least one of negative and positive pressure.