Spatular Fluid Pressure Actuator Attachment for Grip and Insertion

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need to improve the usability of fluid pressure actuators, particularly in applications such as robotic arms where higher performance is required.

Innovation Solution

A fluid pressure actuator with a spatular attachment that includes a thin-walled portion and a bump thick-walled portion, allowing for improved gripping and insertion capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a uniform thick-walled structure is used for the attachment, then gripping strength is improved, but insertability into narrow spaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping strengthVSAvoidinsertability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment employs local quality by having different wall thicknesses in different regions: the distal end portion has a thin wall thickness for easy insertion into narrow spaces, while the proximal end portion has a thick wall thickness for strong gripping. This spatial differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between insertability and gripping strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a thin-walled structure is used for the attachment, then insertability is improved, but gripping strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinsertabilityVSAvoidgripping strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment employs local quality by having different wall thicknesses in different regions: the distal end portion has a thin wall thickness for easy insertion into narrow spaces, while the proximal end portion has a thick wall thickness for strong gripping. This spatial differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between insertability and gripping strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If a uniform thin-walled structure is used for the attachment, then insertability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinsertabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment employs local quality by having different wall thicknesses in different regions: the distal end portion has a thin wall thickness for easy insertion into narrow spaces, while the proximal end portion has a thick wall thickness for strong gripping. This spatial differentiation of structural properties resolves the contradiction between insertability and gripping strength.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 improved design enhances the usability of fluid pressure actuators by balancing insertability and gripping performance, making them more effective in various applications.

Implementation Method 1

a fluid pressure actuator that expands and contracts by fluid pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS12281662B2Fluid pressure actuator

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 BRIDGESTONE CORP

AI summary

A fluid pressure actuator according to this disclosure is a fluid pressure actuator that expands and contracts by fluid pressure, including an attachment attached to the distal end side, wherein the attachment is a spatular portion including a holding surface at one side in the thickness direction, and the spatular portion includes: a thin-walled portion at the distal end side; and a bump thick-walled portion that is located at the proximal end side of the thin-walled portion and is thicker than the thin-walled portion by a bump portion that protrudes or is able to protrude on the holding surface.