Electromagnetic gripping device
AssigneeNexera Robotics Corp.
InventorsSepehr Sheikholeslami, Carlo Menon
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method to provide a device in which the gripping action is achieved by a compliant membrane manipulated by electromagnetic forces. The gripping force is best suited for delicate objects, as it gently applies the gripping force necessary for displacement. This is accomplished through a chamber, a membrane, a plunger attached to the membrane, and a solenoid configured to manipulate the plunger, and thus, the membrane.
Claims20
An electromagnetic gripping device, comprising:
- at least one solenoid made of conductive material, wherein said solenoid generates an electromagnetic field when an electric current is applied to it;
- at least one deformable membrane in the form of an open surface with one boundary;
- wherein said membrane can be actively deformed by changing the electromagnetic field generated by said solenoid;
- wherein said deformable membrane can be passively deformed by conforming to an object to be grasped upon contact with said object;
- wherein said deformation of said deformable membrane provides a gripping or attractive force when said deformable membrane is positioned adjacent to said object;
- wherein said deformable membrane is in direct contact with and conforms to said object when said gripping device is holding said object.
A method of gripping an object using a gripping device, the method comprising the steps of:
- moving the gripping device towards the object to be grasped such that a deformable membrane is in direct contact with said object;
- moving the gripping device further towards the object such that said deformable membrane deforms by conforming passively to said object to be grasped, exerting a grasping force, at least in a form of friction between said deformable membrane and said object to be grasped;
- applying an electric current to a solenoid to generate an electromagnetic field;
- said generation of electromagnetic field in said solenoid actively further deforms said deformable membrane;
- and
- said further deformation of said deformable membrane provides additional gripping forces, at least in the form of friction, to said object to be grasped.
A method of gripping an object using a gripping device, the method comprising the steps of:
- moving the gripping device towards the object to be grasped such that a deformable membrane is in direct contact with said object;
- moving the gripping device further towards the object such that said deformable membrane deforms by conforming passively to said object to be grasped, exerting a grasping force, at least in a form of friction between said deformable membrane and said object to be grasped;
- applying an electric current to a solenoid to generate an electromagnetic field;
- and
- activating said latch to attract and hold said plunger;
- wherein generation of electromagnetic field in said solenoid displaces said plunger;
- wherein displacement of said plunger solenoid actively deforms said deformable membrane;
- and
- wherein deformation of said deformable membrane provides additional gripping forces, at least in the form of friction, to said object to be grasped.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.