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The Problem:
Nick Carrozza
Web engineer and autocad
Anh Phuan
Graphics
Ethan Lusk
Coordinator
Dave Hearth
Treasurer
Mike Dedona
Contact(pictured form left to right)
Damage resulting from the manual handling of delicate laminate products can be reduced through proper tooling. A gripper using vacuum has been implemented to assist operators during fabrication processes of IBM panels. the vacuum that grasps the product is expensive and required at each workstation where manufacturing takes place. The plumbing required for the vacuum is cumbersome and restricts the number of places that grippers may be used.
The laminate panel has a magnetic core so Micro Movers Inc. were called upon to design a new magnetic gripper that can pick up a 13"x18.5" panel.
The Goal:Micro Movers is providing a prototype of a magnetic gripper that can pick up, hold, and release delicate circuitized laminate sheets. The device must have size and weight such that any operator can use the gripper to manipulate the laminates without excessive physical strain. In addition to the prototype, data on the static load capability and a cost analysis of the materials and labor involved in constructing the gripper are being provided.
Critical design issues include usability and ergonomics. There are many ways to pick up the laminates, but the delicate nature of the material requires a soft interface between the magnet and the laminate. These critical design issues limit the size and weight of the gripper, though IBM gave no specific values for maximum size or weight.
The Solution:The Details:
This is a picture of the final magnetic gripper prototype
(complete with Penn State stickers)
For more detailed information on the prototype click on the links below
Detailed design description
Final design drawings
Bill of Materials
