Robotic grippers often struggle to handle objects of varying shapes, materials, and fragility. Traditional rigid grippers may damage delicate items, while soft grippers lack the precision and strength needed for industrial applications. The invention addresses this by enabling a mechanical finger to dynamically adjust its stiffness, balancing strength and delicacy.
Core Features
The mechanical finger includes:
- A multi-phalanx structure mimicking human finger joints.
- A variable stiffness mechanism achieved through a releasable stiffening link (or crossbeam) that transitions between flexible and rigid states.
- Passive joints allowing natural movement in response to object contact.
- A snap-fit joint for easy engagement and disengagement of the stiffening link, simplifying transitions between stiffness modes.
Benefits
- Adaptability: Can gently grasp fragile objects or apply force for stronger grips.
- Precision: Enhances robotic manipulation accuracy for complex tasks.
- Cost-efficiency: Combines features of soft and rigid grippers without requiring additional actuators.
- Versatility: Suitable for industrial automation, human-robot interaction, and delicate assembly tasks.
Impact
This invention can transform robotic applications by improving safety in human-robot environments and enabling robots to handle a broader range of objects. Its design promotes innovation in robotics, offering cost-effective and efficient solutions for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. The ability to adjust stiffness on demand also contributes to sustainable practices by reducing material waste and production costs.