Nano­Force­Gripper

Year

2012

The idea

This secure holding technique for smooth and sensitive surfaces is modelled on the gecko’s toe and the fish’s fin.

The objective

The NanoForceGripper can hold glass surfaces or display monitors securely and firmly with maximum energy efficiency, without enclosing them or leaving a residue.

Technical data

• Gripper material: polyamide
• Special foil material: silicone
• Adhesive elements on special foil: 29,000/cm2

Operating principle

The underside of the NanoForceGripper consists of a special nanostructured foil. It has more than 29,000 adhesive elements per square centimetre, enabling it to hold a smooth object securely and without expending energy.

Inspired by the gecko’s toe

Geckos can climb up vertical surfaces and hang upside-down. This is made possible by their toes, which have adhesive lamellae with millions of extremely fine, multiply divided hairs on their underside. These so-called spatulae give rise to intermolecular forces in interaction with the surface. In the gripper, this principle is implemented by the adhesive elements of the nano foil.

Inspired by the fish’s fin

The gripping surface, covered with a nano foil, is designed as a movable structure with the Fin Ray effect modelled on the tailfin of a fish. If the object held is to be put down, the connection between its surface and the gripper must be broken by a counterforce. This is effected by a simple push-push mechanism that releases spring forces and transforms the structure from a flat to a curved surface.

Material

NanoForceGripper