Project brief
This concept would explore a compact gripper whose fingers accommodate variation in lightweight packaging without relying on a fully rigid contact geometry. The study would compare a flexure-guided finger with a linkage alternative, using simple package shapes as representative workpieces. Mechanical design would focus on contact area, accessible cleaning surfaces, replaceable pads, and a clear force path from actuator to fingers. A basic actuator and load-sensing interface would support bench evaluation of grip consistency. The proposed deliverables are a parameterized assembly, contact assumptions, a preliminary stress review, and a prototype test plan. Success criteria would be defined before fabrication; no gripping performance or product-handling trial is claimed.
Design concept developed for this portfolio. The diagrams describe the proposed system; implementation and testing are part of the validation plan.
The engineering challenge
Accommodate package variation while limiting concentrated contact force and keeping the mechanism easy to inspect.
Engineering approach
- Compare flexure and linkage finger arrangements.
- Parameterize pad area, finger travel, and mechanical stops.
- Estimate stresses and contact loading under proposed use cases.
- Prepare a low-energy bench prototype and measurement plan.
Validation plan
- Compare predicted finger deflection with bench displacement measurements.
- Check grip consistency across representative dummy packages.
- Inspect flexures and pads after repeated low-energy cycles.
Concept scope
- Replaceable contact pads
- Adjustable finger spacing
- Mechanical travel stops
- Accessible force sensing
- Parameterized finger geometry
Software & engineering tools
FreeCAD, CalculiX, Python, Bench load cell