End effector having pliable bladder with adjustable rigidity

    公开(公告)号:US10357883B1

    公开(公告)日:2019-07-23

    申请号:US15966802

    申请日:2018-04-30

    IPC分类号: B25J15/06 B25J15/00

    摘要: End effectors and a related method of actuating items are disclosed. The end effector comprises a bladder comprising a pliable body that defines an inner recess in fluid communication with the manifold via a first connection. The pliable body has a sealing surface at its distal end and defines a chamber. The bladder further comprises a material disposed within the chamber. The method comprises contacting an item to conform the sealing surface to a contour of the item, transitioning the bladder to a structural state having greater rigidity, applying a vacuum to the inner recess via the first connection, and actuating the item.