Controlling end effector suction area using expandable bladder

Aspects described herein include an end effector that includes a pliable body member defining an inner recess and having a sealing surface at a distal end. The sealing surface forms a seal with items and defines a first suction area. The end effector also includes an inflatable bladder that expands...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Nambi, Manikantan
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 08.03.2022
Subjects
CHAMBERS PROVIDED WITH MANIPULATION DEVICES
CONVEYING
CRANES
HAND TOOLS
HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
HAULING
HOISTING
LIFTING
LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS,WINCHES, OR TACKLES
MANIPULATORS
PACKING
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS
SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS
STORING
TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FORFASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING ORTIPPING
TRANSPORTING
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Summary:Aspects described herein include an end effector that includes a pliable body member defining an inner recess and having a sealing surface at a distal end. The sealing surface forms a seal with items and defines a first suction area. The end effector also includes an inflatable bladder that expands into the inner recess. When the bladder is in an inflated state, the bladder defines a second suction area smaller than the first suction area. The end effector also includes a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess.
Bibliography:Application Number: US201916694586