Robotic grabber and method of use
US8950795B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 16, 2013 |
| Grant date | Feb 10, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/31
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A robotic finger includes a shape-memory alloy and a shape-memory polymer connected to and adjacent to the shape-memory alloy. Heating the shape-memory polymer causes it to soften, heating the shape-memory alloy causes the alloy to bend in the direction of the shape-memory polymer to press the shape-memory polymer against an object to be grasped, and cooling the shape-memory polymer causes it to stiffen and to retain its shape. An opposing member is positioned to cooperate with the finger to grasp an object positioned between the finger and the opposing member. A selectively controllable heat source is capable of applying heat to the finger.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.