Pixelated electrostatic adhesion

US11831252B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Boeing Company · US

Inventors

• David Michael Bain · Parramatta, AU
• Craig J. Turner · Calle de la Era, AU
• Peter W. Chew · Brisbane, AU
• Brittany P. Chambers · Wellers Hill, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 7, 2021
• Grant date: Nov 28, 2023
• Expiry date: Dec 7, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/0033
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Control for pixelated electrostatic adhesion can be provided by a voltage converter configured to increase an input voltage to an output voltage; a first gripping circuit, configured to selectively provide the output voltage at a first polarity to a first subset of electrodes of a plurality of electrodes; a second gripping circuit, configured to selectively provide the output voltage at a second polarity opposite to the first polarity to a second subset of electrodes of a plurality of electrodes that are associated with and different from the first subset of electrodes; a first release circuit, configured to selectively reverse the output voltage provided to the first subset of electrodes to the second polarity; and a second release circuit, configured to selectively reverse the output voltage provided to the second subset of electrodes to the first polarity.