US 11,745,297 B2
Shape control in gripping systems and methods
HyungMin Chae, Troy, MI (US); Tyson W. Brown, Royal Oak, MI (US); Mark A. Smith, Huntington Woods, MI (US); Richard J. Skurkis, Lake Orion, MI (US); and Wonhee M. Kim, Royal Oak, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Nov. 24, 2020, as Appl. No. 17/103,698.
Prior Publication US 2022/0161380 A1, May 26, 2022
Int. Cl. B23Q 7/04 (2006.01); B25J 9/14 (2006.01); B25J 13/08 (2006.01); B25J 9/16 (2006.01); B25J 15/00 (2006.01)
CPC B23Q 7/043 (2013.01) [B23Q 7/046 (2013.01); B25J 9/14 (2013.01); B25J 9/1612 (2013.01); B25J 9/1633 (2013.01); B25J 13/082 (2013.01); B25J 15/0028 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A gripping system for holding a workpiece, the system comprising:
a layer jamming structure including a membrane defining an internal cavity containing a number of overlapping material layers;
a pressure system including a pump coupled with the internal cavity; and
a shape conforming tool including at least one part configured to move to apply a force to the layer jamming structure,
wherein the shape conforming tool comprises a clamp formed in a shape that holds the layer jamming structure in a state configured to receive and envelop the workpiece;
wherein the shape conforming tool is configured, with operation of the at least one part, to conform the layer jamming structure to the workpiece,
wherein the pressure system, with operation of the pump, is configured to change a pressure in the internal cavity to impart rigidity to the layer jamming structure.