Controlling end effector suction area using expandable bladder
AssigneeAmazon Technologies, Inc.
InventorManikantan Nambi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
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.
Claims23
An end effector comprising:
- a pliable body member defining an inner recess and having a sealing surface at a distal end, wherein the sealing surface is configured to form a seal with items and defines a first suction area;
- an inflatable bladder configured to expand into the inner recess, wherein when the bladder is in an inflated state, the bladder defines a second suction area smaller than the first suction area;
- and
- a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess.
A method of suctioning an item using an end effector, the end effector comprising a pliable body member defining an inner recess and having a sealing surface at a distal end of the pliable body member, the method comprising:
- expanding a bladder into the inner recess, wherein the bladder defines a second suction area smaller than a first suction area defined by the sealing surface;
- contacting an item with the bladder while expanded;
- and
- maintaining a vacuum between the item and the bladder to retain the item.
An end effector comprising:
- a pliable body member defining an inner recess;
- a bladder disposed at least partially within the inner recess;
- and
- a vacuum port in fluid communication with the inner recess,
- wherein, when the bladder is in an unexpanded state, the end effector is configured to form a seal with items contacting a distal end of the pliable body member, and
- wherein, when the bladder is in an expanded state, the end effector is configured to form a seal with items contacting a distal end of the bladder.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.