Vacuum Gripper Cup Control for Real-Time Grip Quality Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic grippers lack individual control over vacuum assemblies, leading to inefficient grasping and limited dynamic maneuvers due to the inability to determine grip quality and adjust vacuum levels accordingly.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a robotic gripper with individually controllable vacuum assemblies, using pressure sensors and control valves to adjust vacuum levels based on real-time pressure measurements and determine grip quality, allowing for optimized grip and dynamic movement planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum is applied to all cup assemblies simultaneously, then the gripper can maintain simple control structure, but the gripper cannot determine individual grip quality and adjust vacuum levels for optimized grasping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum control system into individual controllable units, with each cup assembly having its own vacuum valve and pressure sensor. This segmentation enables independent monitoring and adjustment of vacuum levels at each contact point, allowing the system to determine grip quality for each cup individually while maintaining a modular control architecture that balances functionality with complexity.
2Measurement precision
If individual pressure sensors are installed on each cup assembly, then real-time grip quality measurement is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where pressure sensors on each cup assembly continuously monitor vacuum levels and provide real-time data to the controller. The controller processes this feedback information to determine grip quality and automatically adjusts vacuum levels by actuating individual vacuum valves, creating a closed-loop system that improves measurement utilization while managing complexity through automated control.
3Productivity
If vacuum levels are adjusted dynamically based on grip quality, then grasping efficiency is improved, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static vacuum control to dynamic adjustment by enabling real-time modification of vacuum levels based on measured grip quality. The system continuously monitors pressure readings from individual cup assemblies and dynamically actuates vacuum valves to optimize grasping force, allowing the gripper to adapt to varying object properties and environmental conditions while improving grasping efficiency through responsive control.
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 grasping capabilities and enables more precise control over robotic gripper movements by adjusting vacuum levels based on grip quality, improving safety and efficiency in handling various objects.
Implementation Method 1
determining, using at least one pressure sensor associated with each of the two or more cup assemblies, a grip quality between the robotic gripper and the object
Implementation Method 2
applying a vacuum to two or more cup assemblies of the robotic gripper in contact with the object
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods related to intelligent grippers with individual cup control are disclosed. One aspect of the disclosure provides a method of determining grip quality between a robotic gripper and an object. The method comprises applying a vacuum to two or more cup assemblies of the robotic gripper in contact with the object, moving the object with the robotic gripper after applying the vacuum to the two or more cup assemblies, and determining, using at least one pressure sensor associated with each of the two or more cup assemblies, a grip quality between the robotic gripper and the object.