Automated digit interchange
AssigneeX Development LLC
InventorsMarc Strauss, David Youmans, Scott Stanford
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A robotic device is provided. The robotic device includes a first detachable digit, including a first connector piece. The robotic device also includes a digit mounting apparatus, including a first pivot joint and a second connector piece coupled to the first pivot joint, where the second connector piece is configured to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit. The robotic device also includes an actuator configured to pivot the first pivot joint about a first axis to cause the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit to attach the first detachable digit to the digit mounting apparatus.
Claims18
A robotic device, comprising:
- a first detachable digit, comprising a first connector piece;
- and
- a digit mounting apparatus, comprising:
- a first pivot joint;
- a second connector piece coupled to the first pivot joint, wherein the second connector piece is configured to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit;
- and
- an actuator configured to pivot the first pivot joint about a first axis to cause the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the first connector piece of the first detachable digit to attach the first detachable digit to the digit mounting apparatus, wherein when the first connector piece is mated with the second connector piece, the actuator is configured to pivot the first detachable digit by causing the first pivot joint to pivot about the first axis.
A method comprising:
- selecting, from a plurality of digits, a digit to couple to a digit mounting apparatus, wherein the selected digit comprises a first connector piece, and wherein the digit mounting apparatus comprises a pivot joint and a second connector piece coupled to the pivot joint;
- causing an actuator of the digit mounting apparatus to pivot the pivot joint to cause the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the first connector piece of the selected digit;
- and
- after causing the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the first connector piece of the selected digit, causing the actuator to pivot the pivot joint to cause the selected digit to manipulate an identified object.
A robotic device comprising:
- a plurality of detachable digits, wherein each digit comprises a respective first connector piece;
- a digit mounting apparatus, comprising:
- a first pivot joint;
- a second connector piece coupled to the first pivot joint, wherein the second connector piece is configured to mate with the respective first connector piece of each digit of the plurality of digits;
- and
- an actuator configured to pivot the first pivot joint about a first axis;
- and
- a control system configured to:
- select, from the plurality of digits, a first digit to couple to the digit mounting apparatus;
- cause the actuator of the digit mounting apparatus to pivot the first pivot joint to cause the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with a respective first connector piece of the first digit;
- and
- after causing the second connector piece of the digit mounting apparatus to mate with the respective first connector piece of the first digit, cause the actuator to pivot the first pivot joint to cause the first digit to manipulate an identified object.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.