Integrated Suction-Gripper End Effector for Precise Part Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robots lack the capability to simultaneously perform tasks that require both suction and grasping actions on a target object, as their grasping portions cannot hold objects independently.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a first suction structure and a first grasping structure arranged adjacent to each other in a direction intersecting with a first direction, allowing simultaneous suction and grasping of a main member and an auxiliary member, which can be moved and positioned by robot arms to perform actions on the target object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robot uses separate suction and grasping portions for different tasks, then each portion can perform its specialized function, but the robot cannot perform combined suction and grasping actions on the same target object
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction structure and grasping structure into a single integrated holding device. The suction structure includes suction ports for holding the main member, while the grasping structure includes holding ports for holding auxiliary members. Both structures are arranged adjacent to each other and can be controlled simultaneously by the robot arm, enabling the robot to perform both suction and grasping actions on the same target object without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both suction-based holding and grasping-based holding. The suction structure can hold the main member through suction force, while the grasping structure can hold auxiliary members through mechanical grasping. This universal design allows the same holding device to adapt to different task requirements by activating either suction or grasping or both simultaneously.
2Reliability
If the grasping portion alone is used to hold objects, then the structure can be simple, but it cannot securely hold objects that require suction-based holding
Solution Approach 1:
The suction structure and grasping structure are merged into a single integrated system that can be controlled together. The suction structure provides reliable holding for the main member through suction force, while the grasping structure provides reliable holding for auxiliary members through mechanical grasping. By combining both structures, the system achieves high reliability for holding different types of objects that require different holding mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate structures are used for different holding tasks, then each structure can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system becomes more complex and harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The suction structure and grasping structure are merged into a single holding device that is controlled by a single robot arm. This integration allows the controller to coordinate both suction and grasping actions simultaneously through a unified control system, simplifying the operation compared to controlling multiple separate structures. The adjacent arrangement of the two structures also facilitates coordinated movement and positioning.
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 holding device enables secure holding and application of actions to a target object by suction and grasping, improving positioning accuracy and ensuring the auxiliary members are placed without dropping, even when changing postures and directions.
Implementation Method 1
a first suction structure that sucks a main member
Implementation Method 2
a first grasping structure that is arranged adjacent to the first suction structure in a direction intersecting with a first direction and grasps a first auxiliary member
Data Source
AI summary
A holding device includes: a first suction structure that sucks a main member; and a first grasping structure that is arranged adjacent to the first suction structure in a direction intersecting with a first direction and grasps a first auxiliary member. The first suction structure is directed so as to suck the main member located in the first direction, and the first grasping structure is directed so as to grasp the first auxiliary member located in the first direction.