Soft Robotic Grippers for Adaptive Pick-and-Place Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional robotic grippers are expensive, inflexible, and unable to handle objects of varying sizes and shapes effectively, particularly in environments where uncertainty and variability in object weight, size, and shape hinder automated solutions.
Innovation Solution
Soft robotic actuators made from elastomeric materials, such as rubber or thin plastic, that can be molded into desired shapes and actuated by inflation or vacuum, allowing for adaptive conformability and controlled force application, enabling grippers to handle objects without damage and perform complex motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional robotic grippers are used, then structural strength and precision are improved, but adaptability and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs soft robotic actuators made from flexible elastomeric materials that can conform to objects of varying sizes and shapes. These soft grippers use inflatable chambers or pneumatic actuators to generate gripping force while maintaining adaptability, resolving the contradiction between structural strength and adaptability by replacing rigid structures with flexible, programmable soft materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes programmable control systems that can dynamically adjust gripping parameters such as inflation pressure, actuator extension, and grip force to match the specific characteristics of each object. This allows the same gripper structure to adapt to different objects by changing operational parameters rather than physical structure, maintaining both strength and versatility.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional robotic grippers are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of manufacture and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The soft robotic grippers are manufactured using molding techniques for elastomeric materials, which are inherently easier and more cost-effective than precision machining of rigid components. The flexible nature of these materials allows for simpler manufacturing processes while achieving the necessary functional precision through software control and adaptive positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective soft robotic actuators that can be manufactured at lower costs compared to conventional rigid grippers. While individual soft actuators may have limited lifespans compared to robust metal components, their low manufacturing cost and ease of replacement make them economically advantageous for applications requiring frequent adaptation or operation in harsh environments.
3Extent of automation
If conventional robotic grippers are used, then automation capability is improved, but object damage risk is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates force sensing and control systems that continuously monitor gripping forces and automatically adjust parameters to prevent excessive force application. The soft actuators inherently provide force compliance through their material properties, allowing high-level automation while minimizing damage risk through real-time parameter adaptation based on object characteristics and sensor feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs sensors to detect object presence, contact force, and gripper position, feeding this information back to the control system which adjusts actuation parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automated operation with damage prevention by continuously adapting grip force to match object fragility and positioning requirements.
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 grippers provide a cost-effective, adaptable, and safe solution for handling diverse objects by conforming to their shape and distributing force evenly, reducing the risk of damage and improving handling efficiency in uncertain environments.
Implementation Method 1
Soft robotic actuators made from elastomeric materials, such as rubber or thin plastic, that can be molded into desired shapes
Implementation Method 2
actuated by inflation or vacuum, allowing for adaptive conformability and controlled force application
Implementation Method 3
actuated by inflation or vacuum, allowing for adaptive conformability and controlled force application
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. The systems, methods, apparatuses and computer-readable media instructions described interact with and control robotic systems, in particular pick and place systems using soft robotic actuators to grasp, move and release target objects.