MODULAR ELECTROADHESIVE GRIPPING SYSTEM

摘要

Automated manufacturing often requires reliable tools for acquiring or moving items in a manufacturing process. An electroadhesive gripper utilizes electroadhesive surfaces to acquire and move items from one step in a process to another. 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 also employ a load-bearing frame that is coupled to an electroadhesive gripping surface. Components of these electroadhesive systems may be configured to be modular in construction to simplify construction and maintenance. Some components may be disposable or require more frequent repair than other components. Modular assembly and component construction simplifies maintenance and reduces overall costs of operation.

主权项

1. An electroadhesive gripping system comprising:
a frame having a superior surface and an inferior surface; a cartridge having a superior surface and inferior surface, wherein said superior surface is detachably connectable to said inferior surface of said frame; an electroadhesive film with one or more electrodes at or near a gripping surface, a backing surface at least partially covering and connectable to the inferior surface of said cartridge and comprising a voltage connector interface comprising electrical traces from the electrodes; and a power supply configured to apply voltage to the one or more electrodes of the electroadhesive film.