End of arm tool (EOAT) for layup of pre-impregnated composite laminates and robotic arm control system and method
US11618248B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 13, 2020 |
| Grant date | Apr 4, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 13, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16D2121/04
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An end of arm tool (EOAT) for use during manufacture of parts using one or more pre-impregnated composite plies is disclosed. In an embodiment, the EOAT includes a mechanical gripper arrangement with first and second fingers configured to supply a compressive force to grip a pre-impregnated composite ply therebetween. At least one of the first and second fingers include a roller member to engage opposite surfaces of the pre-preg ply and supply a compressive gripping force. The roller member on either or both the first and second fingers preferably include a torque regulator to selectively adjust an associated roller member's resistance to rotation via supply of a rotational torque resistance.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.