Universal Vacuum Cup Using Layer Jamming for Adaptive Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum cup designs are inflexible and can damage objects due to their rigidity, and require reconfiguration for different object geometries, leading to increased cost and complexity in handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A smart universal vacuum cup assembly that uses a layer jamming concept to vary its stiffness by compressing inner structures with negative pressure, allowing it to conform to objects and increase gripping force, featuring a flexible cup structure with inner layers that change shape from a resting to a gripping position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rigid flat vacuum cup is used, then the vacuum cup can maintain structural stability, but it can only work with flat objects and requires reconfiguration for different geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cup employs a dynamic structure where the cup body can deform and adapt its shape based on the object being grasped. The flexible material allows the cup to transition from a rigid state to a compliant state, enabling it to conform to various geometries without requiring system reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the cup material from rigid to flexible, allowing the cup to alter its shape and stiffness. This parameter change enables the same cup design to work with multiple object geometries by adjusting its physical state rather than requiring mechanical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible bellows vacuum cup is used, then the vacuum cup can adapt to different geometries, but the rigid inner parts may damage the object being lifted
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum cup is constructed entirely from flexible material without any rigid internal components. The flexible shell structure allows the cup to conform to objects while maintaining its own structural integrity, eliminating the harmful effect of rigid parts pressing into the object.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup utilizes composite material properties, combining flexibility with structural strength. The material is engineered to be sufficiently compliant to avoid damaging objects while maintaining enough rigidity to withstand vacuum pressure and perform the lifting function effectively.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible vacuum cup structure is used, then the vacuum cup can conform to objects, but it lacks the rigidity to maintain gripping force
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible material is selected and designed to exhibit optimal mechanical properties that balance compliance and strength. The material parameters are engineered to allow the cup to conform to objects while maintaining sufficient gripping force through controlled elasticity and structural design.
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 vacuum cup assembly effectively grips and lifts objects of varying geometries without damaging them, reducing the need for multiple cup designs and system reconfiguration, thus minimizing cost and complexity while maintaining flexibility and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
when the negative pressure is applied to the cavity or cavities, the inner structures are compressed together, which increases the rigidity of the vacuum and its ability to grip an object
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of inner structures is disposed in the cavity region. The plurality of inner structures is configured to hold the cup structure in a gripping position when at least a predetermined negative pressure is applied to the cavity region
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum cup assembly and a method of lifting an object are provided. The vacuum cup assembly includes a cup structure defining an opening at a proximal end, a recess at a distal end, and a cavity region between the proximal and distal ends, where the cavity region includes at least one cavity. The opening is in fluid communication with the recess and with the cavity region. Inner structures are disposed in the cavity region. The inner structures are configured to hold the cup structure in a gripping position when a negative pressure is applied to the cavity region through the opening in the cup structure. The cup structure is configured to be in a resting position without the negative pressure being applied to the cavity region. The vacuum cup assembly has a first shape in the resting position and a second shape in the gripping position.