Object gripping mechanism
AssigneeIntelligrated Headquarters, LLC
InventorGrant Repke Jeremiah
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An object gripping mechanism is provided for use with a robotic arm. A robotic arm and method of manufacturing an object gripping mechanism are also provided. The object gripping mechanism includes an attachment modular configured to connect the object gripping mechanism to the robotic arm. The object gripping mechanism also includes a plurality of retractable arms each pivotably connected with the attachment modular. The object gripping mechanism also includes one or more movement mechanisms collectively configured to pivot the plurality of retractable arms to a desired position. The object gripping mechanism further includes a drive mechanism positioned within each of the plurality of retractable arms and configured to pivot the object engagement feature using a gear and timing belt configuration.
Claims17
An object gripping mechanism for use with a robotic arm, the object gripping mechanism comprising:
- an attachment modular configured to connect the object gripping mechanism to the robotic arm;
- a plurality of retractable arms each pivotably connected with the attachment modular, wherein each of the plurality of retractable arms comprises an object engagement feature configured to selectably engage an object, wherein the object engagement feature comprises a plunger and a plunger connector, wherein the plunger connector is operably coupled to the retractable arm, such that the plunger remains at least substantially parallel to a surface of an object during operation;
- one or more movement mechanisms collectively configured to pivot the plurality of retractable arms to a desired position;
- a drive mechanism positioned within each of the plurality of retractable arms and configured to pivot the object engagement feature relative to a corresponding retractable arm, wherein the drive mechanism comprises:
- a gear operably engaged with one of the one or more movement mechanisms;
- and
- a timing belt operably connected with the gear and extending to the object engagement feature, wherein the timing belt is configured to pivot the object engagement feature such that movement of the retractable arm via the gear causes synchronous movement of the object engagement feature in an opposite direction relative to the corresponding retractable arm based on movement of the one of the one or more movement mechanisms.
A robotic arm comprising:
- an attachment modular configured to connect an object gripping mechanism to the robotic arm;
- a plurality of retractable arms each pivotably connected with the attachment modular, wherein each of the plurality of retractable arms comprises an object engagement feature configured to selectably engage an object, wherein the object engagement feature comprises a plunger and a plunger connector, wherein the plunger connector is operably coupled to the retractable arm, such that the plunger remains at least substantially parallel to a surface of an object during operation;
- one or more movement mechanisms collectively configured to pivot the plurality of retractable arms to a desired position;
- a drive mechanism positioned within each of the plurality of retractable arms and configured to pivot the object engagement feature relative to a corresponding retractable arm, wherein the drive mechanism comprises:
- a gear operably engaged with one of the one or more movement mechanisms;
- and
- a timing belt operably connected with the gear and extending to the object engagement feature, wherein the timing belt is configured to pivot the object engagement feature such that movement of the retractable arm via the gear causes synchronous movement of the object engagement feature in an opposite direction relative to the corresponding retractable arm based on movement of the one of the one or more movement mechanisms.
A method of manufacturing an object gripping mechanism for use with a robot arm, the method comprising:
- providing an attachment modular configured to connect the object gripping mechanism to the robotic arm;
- attaching a plurality of retractable arms to the attachment modular, each retractable arm pivotably connected with the attachment modular;
- providing one or more movement mechanisms in communication with one or more retractable arms, wherein the one or more movement mechanisms are collectively configured to pivot the plurality of retractable arms to a desired position;
- providing an object engagement feature connected to the retractable arm configured to selectably engage an object, wherein the object engagement feature comprises a plunger and a plunger connector, wherein the plunger connector is operably coupled to the retractable arm, such that the plunger remains at least substantially parallel to a surface of an object during operation,
- wherein the plurality of retractable arms each provide a drive mechanism positioned within each of the plurality of retractable arms and configured to pivot the object engagement feature relative to a corresponding retractable arm, wherein the drive mechanism comprises:
- a gear operably engaged with one of the one or more movement mechanisms;
- and
- a timing belt operably connected with the gear and extending to the object engagement feature, wherein the timing belt is configured to pivot the object engagement feature such that movement of the retractable arm via the gear causes synchronous movement of the object engagement feature in an opposite direction relative to the corresponding retractable arm based on movement of the one of the one or more movement mechanisms.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.