Variable Loop Gripper for Heavy and Irregular Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers face challenges in efficiently gripping and transferring objects of varying shapes and sizes, particularly heavy objects, due to the need for high grasping forces that increase the weight and volume of actuators, and the instability of contact points with objects of complex shapes.
Innovation Solution
A variable loop gripper is designed to surround objects using a pneumatic pressure-operated variable loop, which changes to a closed shape to grip objects with high tension, allowing for the grip of heavy objects with lower pneumatic pressure and the use of a lightweight and soft gripper to prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If high grasping force is applied to grip heavy objects, then the gripping capability is improved, but the weight and volume of the actuator increase proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure to inflate the variable loop, causing it to expand and surround the object. The pneumatic system provides the necessary force for gripping without requiring a heavy mechanical actuator, thus achieving high grasping force with reduced actuator weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The variable loop is made of a flexible material that can be inflated to create a gripping force. This flexible structure replaces traditional rigid mechanical grippers, reducing the weight and volume of the actuator while maintaining effective grasping capability.
2Reliability
If traditional pressing grippers are used to grip objects with complex shapes, then the contact points become unstable, but the gripper structure remains simple
Solution Approach 1:
The variable loop dynamically changes its shape from a relaxed state to an inflated closed shape to adapt to different object geometries. This dynamic adjustment allows the gripper to maintain stable contact points with objects of various shapes, including those with concave or convex features.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper changes its physical state by inflating the variable loop with pneumatic pressure, transforming it from a compact configuration to an expanded closed shape that conforms to the object being gripped, thereby improving contact stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gripper types are provided to handle various object shapes, then the adaptability is improved, but the system complexity and replacement frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The variable loop gripper is designed as a universal solution that can adapt to various object shapes and sizes through pneumatic inflation. A single gripper design handles diverse objects by adjusting the inflation level and shape of the loop, eliminating the need for multiple specialized gripper types.
4Ease of manufacture
If suction plates are used to grip lightweight objects, then the grasping method is simple, but the suction force decreases for heavy objects and requires larger-scale grippers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure to inflate the variable loop, creating a gripping force through internal pressure rather than suction. This approach maintains effectiveness for heavy objects by using positive pressure expansion instead of negative pressure suction, eliminating the limitation of suction force on heavy objects.
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 variable loop gripper effectively lifts heavy objects by tension rather than pneumatic pressure, maintaining a stable grip on objects of various shapes and sizes, while reducing payload loss and enabling efficient transfer of complex-shaped objects.
Implementation Method 1
a variable loop configured to be curved in response to an external signal
Implementation Method 2
the gripper picks up the surrounded object by using tension of the variable loop
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a gripper and grippers capable of being easily combined to safely grip and transfer objects with various and complicated shapes. In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the technical aspects of the present disclosure provides a gripper including a variable loop having one end fixed to a transfer means and configured to surround and grip an object while being curved in a closed shape by air introduced into an air chamber in the variable loop, and a locking means configured to lock the variable loop when the variable loop is curved in a closed shape to maintain the closed shape.