Apparatus for adapting an end effector device remotely controlled manipulator arm

US4545723A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventor

• Keith H. Clark · Decatur, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 30, 1983
• Grant date: Oct 8, 1985
• Expiry date: Sep 30, 2003

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B25J15/04
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus for adapting a general purpose end effector device (10) to a special purpose end effector (A) is disclosed which includes an adapter bracket assembly (B) which provides a mechanical and electrical interface between the end effector devices. The adapter bracket assembly (B) includes an adapter connector post (46) which interlocks with a diamond-shaped gripping channel (28) formed in closed jaws (18) and (20) of the general purpose end effector (10). The angularly intersecting surfaces of the connector post and gripping channel prevent any relative movement therebetween. Containment webs (42, 44) constrain the outer finger plates (22a, 22b) of the general purpose jaws (18, 20) to prevent pitch motion. Electrical interface is provided by conical, self-aligning electrical connector components (60, 62) carried by respective ones of said end effectors (A, 10).