Power­Gripper

Year

2012

The idea

This gripper is based on the natural model of a bird’s beak.

The objective

The PowerGripper is lightweight and powerful, with a large opening angle.

Technical data

• Height: 200 mm
• Width: 123 mm
• Depth: 39 mm
• Aperture: max. 56 mm
• Weight: 482 g
• Material: titanium
• Pneumatic muscles: 3

Operating principle

The kinematics are physically described by the so-called Watt’s linkage: the lower jaw of a bird is connected to the upper jaw by a special coupling. The flexible upper jaw is coupled in turn to the frontal bone via an elastic joint. With this principle applied in the PowerGripper, a wide opening angle can be achieved within a small installation space.

Structure

The kinematic components are a base element, two finger elements, a push rod and pull rod, and a deflection triangle. This configuration enables the gripper to powerfully pick up objects of different sizes. The fingers are variable and can be exchanged to suit the task at hand.

Movement

The pneumatic muscle is based on the antagonistic principle: when filled with compressed air, it increases in diameter while its length decreases. As soon as the air is discharged, the opposite occurs. The opening and closing movements of the gripper are thus smooth and elastic.

Manufacture

The PowerGripper is made from lightweight components and basic elements made of a titanium alloy. The structures attached to the inside and outside are 3D-printed in a laser melting process; this gives the gripper an optimal force-to-weight ratio.

Material

PowerGripper