Gripper apparatus for grasping objects

US11642797B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Tata Consultancy Services Limited · IN

Inventors

• Venkat Raju Chintalapalli Patta · Kanchinakote, IN
• Aaditya Asati · Kanchinakote, IN
• Swagat Kumar · Savanuru, IN

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 4, 2020
• Grant date: May 9, 2023
• Expiry date: Aug 6, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/0683
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Object manipulation in warehouses and logistics facilities is a challenging task because of the unstructured environment. The unstructured environment can have items/objects with different form factors, weight, shape, and size. Traditionally, multiple robots have been used to handle for specific task to be performed by an individual robot which requires high floor. This leads to higher cost and infrastructure. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a gripper apparatus that addresses a single gripper design handling multiple parcels, wherein the apparatus consists of ‘m’ fingers parallel to each other and can be independently controlled through actuators, each finger has a force sensors feedback and also actuators which are controlled with force. Each finger comprises a linear slider for actuation for gripping objects and wherein bottom fingers are moved to provide enough gravity support. Further, apparatus comprises bellows attached to each finger end for grasping object using pneumatic grasping mechanism.