Toroidal Suction Gripper for Varied Package Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fulfillment centers face inefficiencies in handling and processing large volumes of packages due to varied packaging types and sizes, which complicates the logistics of picking, sorting, and packing, leading to reduced throughput and increased manual effort.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of toroidal suction grippers with elastic membranes and vacuum suction technology that can adapt to different packaging types and sizes, allowing for robust and flexible robotic handling of items, enabling improved processing speed and efficiency in fulfillment centers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional robotic grippers are used to handle packages, then the handling process can be automated, but the grippers cannot adapt to varied packaging types and sizes, reducing handling efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The suction gripper employs a flexible membrane that dynamically changes its shape and configuration based on the object being grasped. The membrane can deform to wrap around different packaging types and sizes, allowing the same gripper to adapt to varied packages without sacrificing handling speed or efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameters of the gripping surface by using a flexible membrane that can alter its geometry, surface area, and conformity to the object. This parameter adaptability enables the gripper to maintain effective suction across different packaging types while preserving high-speed handling capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used to accommodate varied packaging, then adaptability is improved, but processing speed and throughput decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical grippers with a vacuum-based suction system. This substitution allows the flexible membrane to conform to various packaging shapes through atmospheric pressure rather than mechanical force, enabling both high adaptability and high processing speed that manual handling cannot achieve
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses vacuum suction (pneumatics) to grasp packages, allowing the flexible membrane to adapt to different packaging types and sizes. This pneumatic approach enables rapid grasping and release cycles, maintaining high processing speed while achieving the flexibility needed for varied packaging
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
Enhances processing speed and throughput by enabling efficient handling of items with various packaging types and sizes, reducing manual effort and simplifying logistics in fulfillment centers.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum suction device disposed in the first annular elastic membrane
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for toroidal suction grippers. In one embodiment, an example device may include a first annular elastic membrane configured to form an orifice having a toroid geometry, and a first vacuum suction device disposed in the first annular elastic membrane. The first annular elastic membrane may be configured to be actuated to grasp an object.