Telescoping Suction Gripper Assembly for Seal Stability and Robot Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In automated sorting systems, generic suction grippers face challenges in maintaining a quasi-complete seal with irregularly shaped objects, leading to increased airflow requirements, larger tubing sizes, and subsequent issues like increased load burden, tubing wear, and interference with robotic motions.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping suction gripper assembly with a telescoping member and suction gripper mechanism, where the telescoping member adjusts in length to maintain a vacuum seal during rapid positioning and retraction, eliminating the need for large flexible tubing and reducing interference with robotic movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If larger tubing is used to increase volumetric airflow for irregularly shaped objects, then the suction force is sufficient to hold the object, but the load burden on the sorting robot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a telescoping tubing assembly that dynamically adjusts its length based on the distance between the suction gripper and the vacuum source. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal vacuum airflow without requiring oversized tubing, thereby reducing the weight and load burden on the sorting robot while preserving sufficient suction force for holding irregularly shaped objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of tubing length dynamically through the telescoping mechanism. By adjusting the length parameter rather than using fixed oversized tubing, the system optimizes airflow delivery while minimizing the mass of the tubing assembly, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining suction force and reducing load burden.
2Reliability
If larger tubing is used to increase volumetric airflow, then the desired airflow can be achieved, but the free space available for the sorting robot to maneuver its appendages is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The telescoping tubing assembly dynamically adjusts its length to accommodate the varying positions of the suction gripper during maneuvering. When the gripper is retracted, the tubing shortens, maximizing the free space available for robot appendage movement. When extended, it maintains the necessary airflow path, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining volumetric airflow and preserving maneuvering space.
Solution Approach 2:
The telescoping mechanism employs nested tubing sections that can slide within each other, allowing the assembly to compact to a minimal profile when not in use. This nesting principle enables the system to maintain adequate airflow capacity while minimizing the space occupied by the tubing when the gripper is retracted, thereby preserving free space for robot maneuvering.
3Reliability
If larger tubing is used to increase volumetric airflow, then the suction force is sufficient, but the larger tubing material experiences detrimental inertial forces that increase wear and deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes the tubing length parameter dynamically, using only the necessary length to deliver adequate vacuum airflow. This reduces the mass of the tubing material subject to inertial forces during rapid positioning, thereby minimizing stress and wear on the tubing material while maintaining sufficient suction force, thus extending the service life of the tubing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a generic suction gripper is used for irregularly shaped objects, then the system can handle diverse objects, but the ability to obtain a quasi-complete seal is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal telescoping tubing assembly that can adapt to various object shapes and sizes. The telescoping mechanism allows the tubing to reach optimal positions for different objects, maintaining effective vacuum seals across diverse object geometries without requiring object-specific gripper designs, thus achieving both versatility and reliable sealing.
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 telescoping suction gripper assembly maintains a sealed vacuum force during extended and retracted positions, preventing tubing kinking and binding, and allowing uninterrupted airflow delivery, enhancing the sorting robot's maneuverability and reducing wear and deterioration.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum system; to establish and maintain a vacuum produced suction force at robotically positioned suction gripper
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a telescoping suction gripper assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a robotic system comprises: a robot comprising a robotic actuator and at least one robotic arm mechanically coupled to the robotic actuator; a telescoping suction gripper assembly comprising a telescoping member and a suction gripper mechanism, wherein a first end of the telescoping member is coupled to a vacuum supply conduit via a first flexible conduit member and a second end of the telescoping member is coupled to the suction gripper mechanism by a second flexible conduit member, and wherein the suction gripper mechanism is pivotally coupled to the at least one robotic; wherein the telescoping member is configured to adjust in length in response to the at least one robotic arm relocating the suction gripper mechanism from a first position to a second position.