APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COUPLING AN END EFFECTOR TO A STRUCTURE

摘要

A base assembly for coupling an end effector to a structure includes a first side and an opposite second side. The first side configured to couple to the end effector. The base assembly also includes at least one cavity disposed on the second side, and at least one pneumatic generator coupled in flow communication with the at least one cavity. The at least one pneumatic generator is operable in a suction mode and a blower mode. The second side having the at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode, and the second side having the at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode.

主权项

1. A base assembly for coupling an end effector to a structure, said base assembly comprising:
a first side and an opposite second side, said first side configured to couple to the end effector; at least one cavity disposed on said second side; and at least one pneumatic generator coupled in flow communication with said at least one cavity, said at least one pneumatic generator is operable in a suction mode and a blower mode, wherein: said second side having said at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by said at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode, and said second side having said at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by said at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode.