Self-contained robotic gripper system

US10576640B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• SOFT ROBOTICS, INC. · US

Inventors

• Ryan Knopf · Morehead, US
• Joshua Aaron Lessing · Cambridge, US
• Daniel Vincent Harburg · Brookline, US
• Grant Sellers · Cambridge, US
• Kevin Alcedo · Coral Springs, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 17, 2018
• Grant date: Mar 3, 2020
• Expiry date: Jul 17, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/12
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments relate to improvements in soft robotic systems that permit a soft robotic end effector to be a self-contained system, without reliance on a tether to deliver inflation fluid to the actuator(s) of the end effector. According to some embodiments, a robotic system may be provided including a soft actuator and a hub. The body of the hub may include an integrated pressure source configured to supply inflation fluid through the actuator interface to the soft actuator. The pressure source may be, for example, a compressor (such as a twin-head compressor) or a reaction chamber configured to vaporize a fuel to create a high-temperature pressurized gas and deliver the pressurized gas to the actuator One or more accumulators may receive inflation fluid (or a partial vacuum) from the compressor over time, and store the inflation fluid under pressure, thus allowing actuation over a relatively short time period.