Conformable electroadhesive gripping system
US9130485B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 2013 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/6833
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electroadhesive surface can include electrodes that are configured to induce an electrostatic attraction with nearby objects upon application of voltage to the electrodes. Systems described herein may also employ a load-bearing frame that is coupled to an electroadhesive gripping surface via an array of height-adjustable pins. Adjusting the pins changes the shape of the gripping surface, and may be used to conform to objects pressed against the gripping surface. Objects pressed against the gripping surface may cause one or more of the pins to retract by sliding within respective channels so as to cause the gripping surface to conform to the object. Some examples further include pin-locking mechanisms configured to secure the position of the pins within their respective channels and thereby fix the shape of the gripping surface after conforming to the object.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.