Three-Member Robotic Tool for Precision Insertion of Thin Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic manipulation of thin-form factor objects for precision placement or insertion remains challenging due to the limitations of conventional grippers, which struggle with dexterous and coordinated motions required for tasks like inserting batteries into mobile phones.
Innovation Solution
A robotic tool with at least three members, including two that grip the object and a third that applies force to push the object out, performs a series of dexterous maneuvers such as rotating, adjusting, and repositioning to achieve precise placement or insertion, utilizing a controller with a processor and memory to execute these operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional grippers are used for robotic manipulation, then the device complexity is low, but the manufacturing precision and dexterity for handling thin-form factor objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic tool is divided into multiple members (first member, second member, and third member) that can independently perform different functions. The first and second members handle gripping while the third member handles pushing, allowing each segment to be optimized for its specific function and thereby achieving high precision without requiring the entire device to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The third member is disposed between the first and second members, creating a nested configuration where multiple functional elements are integrated within a compact structure. This nesting allows the complex multi-functional tool to maintain a relatively simple overall form while achieving high precision manipulation capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If conventional grippers are used, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the ability to perform dexterous and coordinated motions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic tool combines multiple functions in a single integrated device: the first and second members provide gripping capability while the third member provides pushing capability. This multi-functionality allows the tool to perform both gripping and pushing operations without requiring separate devices, thereby maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving dexterity and versatility for handling thin-form factor objects.
3Manufacturing precision
If thin-form factor objects are manipulated with conventional tools, then the device complexity remains low, but the manufacturing precision and placement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different members of the robotic tool are designed with different local qualities suited to their specific functions. The first and second members have gripping surfaces optimized for holding thin-form factor objects, while the third member has a pushing surface optimized for applying force. This local optimization of qualities allows high placement accuracy to be achieved without requiring the entire device to be excessively complex.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and methods are disclosed for precision placement or insertion of an object using robotic manipulation. A robotic tool includes at least three members, including a first member and a second member that grip the object between opposing faces and a third member that exerts a force on a proximate end of the object to push the object out of the robotic tool. A series of maneuvers is performed with the robotic tool in order to place the object on a surface or insert the object in a hole. The maneuvers include positioning the object against the surface, rotating the object around a contact point between the object and the surface, rotating the robotic tool around a contact point between the object and either the first or second member of the robotic tool, sliding the object horizontally along a surface, and tucking the object into a final desired position.