Textile Gripper Manipulator for Precise Edge Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Handling limp materials such as textile articles is challenging due to their lack of a defined shape, requiring precise identification and manipulation of specific points like edges for automated processing.
Innovation Solution
A machine with enhanced grippers that include a displacement mechanism, a receiving space, and a sensor to detect the edge of the limp material, allowing controlled sliding and positioning, using wheels or other elements to actively manipulate the material into desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional grippers are used to hold limp material, then the material can be grasped, but the material cannot be precisely positioned or oriented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning mechanisms with an optical sensor system. The sensor detects the position and orientation of the limp material by sensing reflected light or other optical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guides or fixtures while achieving precise positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary between the gripper and the limp material. This sensor acts as a mediator that provides positional information without requiring direct mechanical contact or complex mechanical structures, enabling precise positioning through information-based control
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper structure is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the capability to handle complex contours is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex adaptive mechanical structures with a sensor-based detection system. The sensor can detect various contours and shapes of limp material, providing the adaptability to handle complex contours without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or reconfigurable structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sensor parameters (such as detection angle, sensitivity, or measurement mode) to adapt to different limp material contours. By changing sensor parameters rather than mechanical structures, the system achieves versatility in handling various shapes while maintaining simple hardware
3Manufacturing precision
If force measurement is used to control clamping, then precise force control is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces force measurement sensors and control systems with a displacement-controlled mechanism. By precisely controlling the displacement of the pressing part through actuators, the system achieves precise clamping force control without requiring force sensors or complex force feedback control algorithms
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
Enables precise handling and positioning of limp materials by actively controlling their movement and orientation, facilitating efficient processing even with complex contours.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor being arranged so as to detect the position of the edge portion within the receiving space
Implementation Method 2
A wheel is particularly suitable for generating a sliding movement of the limp material with respect to the base part
Implementation Method 3
The omniwheel can make the limp material slide with respect to the base part in a direction which is tangentially with respect to the omniwheel while at the same time allowing a low friction displacement in a direction which is parallel to the axis of rotation of the omniwheel
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a machine (1) for handling limp materials (3), the machine (1) comprising at least a first and a second gripping device (10) adapted for gripping the same piece of limp material (3) at the same time, at least one of the gripping devices (10) being connected to a drive system (5) adapted for displacing the gripping devices (10) with respect to each other, one of the gripping devices (10) being a manipulator (10) having a displacement mechanism (20) adapted for actively displacing the limp material (3) in a direction which is generally within a plane in which the limp material (3) is held in the manipulator (10), the machine (1) further comprising at least one sensor (30) adapted for detecting the limp material (3) and/or regions of interest.