Vacuum Gripper Suction Point Control for Multi-Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling systems with vacuum grippers struggle to efficiently transport multiple objects of different sizes and shapes between processing stations while minimizing interference and ensuring secure gripping.
Innovation Solution
A method for operating a handling system with a vacuum gripper and manipulator that allows individual suction points to be activated or deactivated independently, using a control device to determine a gripping strategy based on object data sets, enabling objects to be gripped and arranged optimally for efficient transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple objects are transported together using a vacuum gripper, then productivity increases, but the risk of interference between objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripper is divided into multiple independently controllable suction points, allowing selective activation of only those suction points needed for each specific object configuration. This segmentation enables precise control over which objects are gripped and how they are positioned, reducing interference while maintaining high productivity during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically determines gripping strategies based on real-time object data, adjusting which suction points are activated and how objects are arranged during transport. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize the balance between transporting multiple objects efficiently and minimizing interference between them
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual suction points are activated independently, then adaptability to different object configurations improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data processing system and a control system that determines gripping strategies and generates control signals. This universal design allows the system to handle various object configurations with independent suction point control without requiring separate specialized systems, thereby managing complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Manufacturing precision
If gripping strategy is determined based on object data sets, then manufacturing precision of gripping arrangement improves, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
Object data sets are stored in advance in the data processing system, and gripping strategies are determined based on this pre-available information. This preliminary preparation of data and pre-determination of strategies based on object characteristics allows the system to achieve precise gripping arrangements without excessive processing time during actual operation
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
Enables the automated, time-and energy-efficient transport of multiple objects, accommodating varying sizes and shapes, while reducing interference and ensuring secure gripping through strategic suction point management.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum gripper for suctioning the gripping objects
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating a handling system to transport f gripping objects from a pick-up area to a deposit area, comprising a vacuum gripper having a plurality ofindividually activatable suction points, a manipulator for moving the vacuum gripper, and a control device for controlling the handling system, The method comprises: receiving or determining a gripping object data set representing the position in the pick-up area, weight, and geometry for each gripping object, determining, as a function of the gripping object data set, a gripping strategy data set uniquely assigning at least one suction point to each gripping object, generating gripping control signals based on the gripping strategy data set, causing the handling system to suction the gripping objects with the respectively assigned at least one suction point, and generating manipulator control signals, causing the manipulator to move the vacuum gripper with gripped objects to the deposit area.