Vacuum cup damage detection system
US12350841B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2022 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 29, 2044 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2203/042
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum cup damage detection system detects vacuum cup damage or absence in a robot singulator including a vacuum-based end effector with one or more vacuum cups. The system generally comprises a plate and a control subsystem. The plate provides a potential point of engagement for the one or more vacuum cups of the vacuum-based end effector when the robot singulator is moved to a predetermined position in which, if present, at least one of the one or more vacuum cups of the vacuum-based end effector is in contact with the plate. The control subsystem includes: one or more sensors configured to obtain readings indicative of the engagement of the one or more vacuum cups with the plate or lack thereof; and a controller configured to determine whether any one of the vacuum cups is damaged or missing based on the readings obtained by the one or more sensors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.