Compliant end effectors, robots that include compliant end effectors, and methods of utilizing the same
US9962834B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S901/39
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Compliant end effectors, robots that include compliant end effectors, and methods of utilizing the same. The robots include a robotic arm and the compliant end effector. The compliant end effector includes a base, a jaw fixedly coupled to the base, a part-engaging surface, and a pivot structure. The pivot structure extends between the part-engaging surface and the jaw and is configured to permit limited rotation of the part-engaging surface relative to the jaw about a single pivot axis. The methods include locating an apparatus with a vision system of the robot, locating a part with the vision system, gripping the part with the compliant end effector, positioning the part relative to the apparatus, and operatively attaching the part to the apparatus. The positioning includes deliberately contacting a toe end of a flange of the part with the apparatus prior to contacting a heel end of the flange with the apparatus.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.