Support Surface System for Securing Objects

摘要

An apparatus has conforming arms each respectively attached to a support surface in a pattern for cooperatively receiving an object. Actuators respectively position the plurality of conforming arms between a disengaged state to receive the object and an engaged state to contact the object at a respective contact area to immobilize the object. A control system selectively controls each of the actuators to cause the respective one of the conforming arms to curve inwardly toward the object to cooperatively exert a grasping force upon the object such that only a fraction of total force required to immobilize the object is applied to the object by each individual conforming arm. A selected grasping force of a selected one of the conforming arms corresponds to a relative fragility of the respective contact area.

主权项

1. An apparatus for securing an object that is partially fragile, composed of less fragile areas and more fragile areas, comprising:
a. a plurality of conforming arms, each comprising a contacting surface and an actuating surface and each respectively attachable to a support surface in a pattern for cooperatively receiving an object; b. a plurality of actuators that respectively position the plurality of conforming arms by selectively expanding and retracting the actuating surface to inwardly curve the contacting surface between a disengaged state to receive the object and an engaged state to contact the object at a respective contact area to immobilize the object; and c. a control system that dynamically controls each of the plurality of actuators to cause the respective one of the plurality of conforming arms to curve inwardly toward the object to cooperatively exert a grasping force upon the object such that the object is immobilized and the more fragile areas are not damaged.