Design strategies for vacuum micro-grippers with integrated release system

The current miniaturization of several products requires manufacturing systems and methods able to meet the demanding specifications in terms of precision, efficiency, flexibility and reconfigurability. In particular, the manipulation and assembly of micro-components to obtain such products represent a crucial and challenging phase. For this reason, gripping tools have an essential role. At the micro-scale, the effects of adhesion forces can negatively affect the success and the precision of the manipulation operations, causing unexpected gripping or preventing the release of the components. Therefore, new micro-grippers and suitable release strategies have to be designed and developed to ensure high performance, overcoming the issues typical of the microscale. Among the different types of micro-grippers, vacuum micro-grippers represent a suitable tool to manipulate fragile and small components. In this context, this paper discusses different designs of an innovative vacuum micro-gripper integrating a simple and effective release system. The basic working principle is discussed and the related prototype is shown. Finally, a new design enhancement is also introduced to extend its applicability and release capability.