End effector with collision detection sensor
AssigneeSeagate Technology LLC
InventorsStephen Gregory Horning, John William Rigsby
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In a robotic assembly, a body adapted for mounting on an arm is provided. A connection is adapted to couple the body and an end effector to allow deflection of the end effector with respect to the body between an open position and a closed position. A conduit allows fluid flow between the body and the end effector. A seal is adapted to engage the conduit to provide a fluid seal when the end effector is in the closed position and allow fluid flow when the end effector is in the open position. Further, end effector deflection can be detected based on the fluid flow and utilized to regulate movement of the robotic assembly.
Claims20
A device comprising:
- a body adapted for mounting on an arm;
- an end effector coupled to the body;
- a connection coupling the body and the end effector to allow deflection of the end effector with respect to the body between an open position and a closed position;
- a conduit allowing fluid flow between the body and the end effector;
- and
- a seal adapted to engage the conduit to provide a fluid seal when the end effector is in the closed position and allow fluid flow when the end effector is in the open position.
A method for detecting deflection of an end effector mounted to a robotic arm, the method comprising:
- connecting an end effector to a body using a connection being adapted to allow deflection of the end effector with respect to the body between a first position and a second position;
- providing a fluid path from the body to the end effector;
- and
- providing a fluid seal when the end effector is in the first position and allowing fluid flow when the end effector is in the second position.
A robotic assembly comprising:
- a robotic arm;
- an end assembly coupled to the robotic arm, the end assembly including an end effector;
- a fluid path adapted to allow fluid flow between a source and the end effector;
- and
- a connection coupling the end effector and the end assembly, the connection being adapted to enable deflection of the end effector between an open and a closed position, wherein the end effector includes a seal adapted to enable fluid flow when the end effector is in the open position and discourage fluid flow when the end effector is in the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.