Suction-based end effector with mixed cup sizes

US11833669B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Dexterity, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Zhouwen Sun · Redwood City, US
• Robert Holmberg · Mountain View, US
• Shitij Kumar · Redwood City, US
• Jeesu Baek · San Mateo, US
• Joseph Li · San Jose, US
• Kishore Ramakrishnan · Niskayuna, US
• Andrew Lovett · Burlingame, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 31, 2021
• Grant date: Dec 5, 2023
• Expiry date: Jul 26, 2041

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65G47/1492
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

An end effector is disclosed. The end effector includes a first set of one or more suction cups of a first size having a first diameter, and a second set of one or more suction cups of a second size having a second diameter that is smaller than the first diameter. The end effector further includes a first actuation mechanism configured to apply suction to at least a subset of the first set of suction cups independently of actuation of the second set of suction cups and a second actuation mechanism configured to apply suction to at least a subset of the second set of suction cups independently of actuation of the first set of suction cups.