Compliant gripper
Two opposing pistons share a common bore inside the gripper. Outside, there are two slides or jaws with drilled and tapped holes for custom tooling attachment. Secured to the bottom of each jaw, a trans pin runs perpendicularly through the axis of the piston and into a cavity that houses a removable gripper-synchronizing component called Sync LinkTM.
When installed, Sync Link engages the trans pin using two parallel slots. As the Sync Link rocks around its pivot point, it allows synchronous, self-centering motion of each slide that is repeatable to within 0.002 inch. Sync Link adds versatility to the gripper design, because with the link removed, each piston transfers force and motion independently to each slide.
As a result, each gripper jaw and piston assembly moves independently allowing the gripper to comply with the part's position. Once the part is gripped, its exact position is held without position drift occurring. Compliant grippers offer an economical solution, potentially eliminating the use of a compliant wrist.
| Slides move independently of each other without the single-piece Sync Link mechanism installed allowing the gripper to comply with the part’s position. |
Jeff Schneid, Numation, 1324 Chester Industrial Pkwy., Avon, OH 44011; Tel:(440) 934-3200; Fax: (440) 934-2288.
Submit your ideas and rough drawings for this section to John Lewis, Designer's Corner, Design News, 275 Washington St., Newton, MA 02458
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