Soft Robotic Gripper Control for Handling Diverse Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic grippers are expensive, inflexible, and unable to handle objects of varying weights, sizes, and shapes effectively, particularly in uncertain environments, limiting their adaptability and safety in tasks like warehouse management and recycling.
Innovation Solution
Soft robotic actuators made from elastomeric materials, such as rubber or thin plastic, that can inflate or deflate to change shape, providing adaptability and safety by conforming to objects and distributing force over a larger area, combined with user-assisted control systems for efficient robotic control and gripper configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional robotic grippers are used, then structural strength and precision are maintained, but adaptability to varying objects and safety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs soft robotic actuators made from elastomeric materials that can deform and conform to objects of varying shapes, sizes, and weights. These flexible actuators replace rigid mechanical grippers, enabling safe interaction with diverse objects while maintaining structural integrity through material elasticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state and properties of the actuator materials through inflation and deflation cycles. By adjusting the volume and pressure of the elastomeric actuators, the system adapts its gripping force and shape to match different object characteristics, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If soft robotic actuators are used, then adaptability and safety are improved, but manufacturing precision and structural strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes composite elastomeric materials that combine flexibility with sufficient structural strength. These composite materials enable the actuators to maintain precise shapes when inflated while remaining soft and adaptable, thus achieving both adaptability and manufacturing precision simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If user-assisted control systems are implemented, then precision and adaptability are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect object properties such as weight, shape, and position, feeding this information back to the control system. The user-assisted control algorithm processes this feedback and adjusts the actuator inflation levels in real-time, achieving high control precision without requiring overly complex mechanical structures.
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
Soft robotic actuators enable safe and efficient handling of diverse objects without damage, while user-assisted control systems enhance the precision and adaptability of robotic systems in dynamic environments, improving task efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
Soft robotic actuators made from elastomeric materials, such as rubber or thin plastic, that can inflate or deflate to change shape
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments relate to user-assisted robotic control systems, user interfaces for remote control of robotic systems, vision systems in robotic control systems, and modular grippers for use by robotic systems. Systems, methods, apparatuses and computer-readable media instructions are disclosed for interactions with and control of robotic systems, in particular, pick and place systems using soft robotic actuators to grasp, move and release target objects.