Vacuum Gripper Assembly for Selective Openable Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robotic systems struggle to selectively grip and handle openable objects, such as those with removable lids, due to limitations in adaptability and the inability to apply force in multiple directions, leading to difficulties in handling irregularly shaped or sized objects and potential damage during manipulation.
Innovation Solution
A robotic gripper assembly with addressable vacuum regions and a stabilizer bracket that can independently provide vacuum gripping and adjust to the shape and orientation of objects, allowing for secure grasping and handling of openable objects by applying force in multiple directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system uses a conventional gripper with fixed gripping direction, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to handle irregularly shaped objects and apply force in multiple directions is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper assembly is divided into multiple independently controllable vacuum regions (first vacuum region, second vacuum region, third vacuum region) that can be selectively activated. Each vacuum region can be controlled independently to adapt to different object shapes and sizes, allowing the system to handle irregularly shaped openable objects without requiring a completely new gripper design for each object type.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper assembly incorporates movable components including an extendable stabilizer bracket and adjustable vacuum regions that can dynamically reposition themselves during the gripping process. The stabilizer bracket can extend and retract to provide support at different locations, and the vacuum regions can be extended or retracted based on the object's geometry, enabling adaptation to various object shapes while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.
2Reliability
If a robotic gripper applies force in a single predetermined direction, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to securely handle openable objects without damage is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Different vacuum regions are applied to different locations on the object surface with locally optimized gripping forces. The first vacuum region grips the top surface, the second vacuum region grips the side surface, and the third vacuum region provides additional support. This localized gripping approach allows the system to securely handle openable objects by applying force at multiple specific locations rather than a single predetermined direction, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer bracket acts as an intermediary element between the gripper assembly and the object. It provides additional support and stability by contacting the object's side surface, distributing the gripping force more evenly, and preventing the object from shifting or rotating during manipulation. This intermediary component enhances reliability without requiring complex multi-directional actuation mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a robotic system uses a simple gripper structure, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the ability to selectively grip objects from a group of adjacent objects is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripper assembly is segmented into multiple independently controllable vacuum regions that can be selectively activated. This segmentation allows the system to grip only the target object from a group of adjacent objects by activating only the vacuum regions that contact the target object, while leaving other regions inactive. The segmented design maintains a relatively simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture while providing advanced selective gripping capabilities through independent control of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the vacuum pressure parameters in each vacuum region independently, allowing selective activation and deactivation of specific gripping zones. By adjusting the vacuum pressure parameters dynamically, the system can adapt to different object positions and sizes, enabling selective gripping from adjacent objects without requiring complex mechanical reconfiguration or multiple gripper units.
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 solution enables reliable gripping and transfer of openable objects without damage, even when adjacent objects are present, by using independently extendable vacuum regions and a stabilizer bracket to maintain object stability during manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum regions can be configured to contact a surface of the target object and form/retain the vacuum condition in the spaces between the vacuum regions and the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for operating a transfer robot to grasp and transfer objects is disclosed. The transport robot includes a robotic gripper assembly having an array of addressable vacuum regions each configured to independently provide a vacuum to grasp a target object. The gripper assembly can be configured and/or operated according to one or more physical characteristics of targeted objects and/or corresponding scenarios.