Microgripper having linearly actuated grasping mechanisms
OwnerMatthew D. Ellisinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method are disclosed that provide a microgripper having a linearly actuated grasping mechanism. According to one embodiment, a microgripper comprises at least one grasping mechanism. The microgripper further comprises at least one linear microactuator mechanism operable to impart linear movement to the grasping mechanism(s). In certain implementations, the grasping mechanism(s) comprise two arms that are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Further, in certain implementations the linear microactuator mechanism comprises a linear stepper actuator. Such linear microactuator mechanism is preferably coupled to the arms such that actuation of the linear microactuator mechanism imparts linear movement to the arms.
Claims41
A microgripper comprising:
- at least one grasping mechanism;
- and
- at least one linear microactuator mechanism operable to impart linear movement to said at least one grasping mechanism.
A system comprising:
- at least one microgripper that comprises a means for grasping an object and a means for imparting linear movement to said grasping means.
A method for grasping an object, said method comprising:
- activating at least one linear microactuator mechanism of a microgripper device;
- and
- said at least one linear microactuator mechanism imparting linear movement to at least one grasping mechanism of said microgripper device to cause said at least one grasping mechanism to engage said object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.