A MICRO SPRING PLUNGER GRIPPING MECHANISM DESIGN WITH PIEZOELECTRIC FORCE SENSOR FOR AUTOMATED HANDLING PROCESSES

Tolga Cangar, Yahya Isik

Abstract: In automated manufacturing processes, grasping devices and methods play a crucial role in the handling of many parts, components and work pieces. In this study, it is aimed to present a design an integrated gripping mechanism for the handling system of grinding process of an automotive workpiece. The system consists of a pneumatically activated guided rail cylinder, a spring loaded end position pushing mechanism, a spring force plunger and a piezoelectric force sensor for detecting workpiece presence. The gripper is designed and optimized through 3D Ansys Software for Static Loading. A prototype is built and applied on a grinding machine coupled with a hydraulic rotating cylinder. The proposed system exhibits highly scalable, flexible and robust handling features for robotic and automated applications, which can be easily adapted for a variety of gripping solutions.

Keywords: Microgripper, piezoelectric force sensor, electro-mechanical grasping, grinding, automated loading

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2018.0706007