This article will consider one of the options for manufacturing a universal grip. But first, a little background. At first, such a device was manufactured, jointly by two American universities, as an analogue of a robot arm. A feature of such a capture is its ability to adapt to the shape of the captured object and hold it. Consider how such a device works.
Figure D shows that an object lies on the surface; a grab falls on it. Then a vacuum is created, an amorphous substance inside the grip, envelops the object and wedges, clamps it. The grip rises and the object rises with it. To release the capture, it is sufficient to supply air into the capture. Here is another drawing explaining the capture operation.
Photo with an example of work.
Drawing of the device itself.
So what is this substance, indicated on the drawing under the number 4? Oddly enough, but this is ordinary ground coffee. When air is pumped into the grip, the coffee is a loose amorphous mass. As the vacuum evacuates, the coffee shrinks and becomes solid. Let's watch a video shot at Cornell University, which is one of the developers of the capture.
I decided to make the same capture do it yourself one of the masters.
Tools and materials:
-Air balloon made of thick latex;
-Plastic funnel;
-Ground coffee;
-Scotch;
-The cloth;
-Plastic tube;
-Plastic hose;
-Stationery knife;
- The pump with the function of supply and pumping air;
Step 1: Fill the Ball
First, the author filled a ball of coffee. To do this, put the end of the ball on a plastic tube. At the other end of the tube installed a funnel. He fell asleep through a funnel of coffee. Then he removed the funnel and blew coffee inside the ball. In this way, filled the entire space of the ball.
Step 2: Assembling the bottom of the device
For rigidity, the ball attaches to a plastic funnel. To make it easier to fill the end of the ball into the funnel, I cut off 2/3 of the nozzle from it.
He stuck the end of the ball through the nose of the funnel, wrapped it over the edge and secured it with tape.
Step 3: Filter Installation
In order to prevent coffee from entering the pump, a filter must be installed. The author made the filter out of a fabric that allows air to pass through well. He wrapped the cloth around the opening of the funnel and secured it with tape.
Step 4: Connecting the Hose
Now it remains to connect the pump hose. He puts the end of the hose on the cone of the funnel and secures it with tape. To avoid air leaks, tightly wrap the connection.
Step 5: Testing
The capture is ready and you can try how it works. To use the capture, the author gave some air inside the capture. Then he pressed the grip into the object and evacuated the air. While there is a vacuum in the grip, the object will be held.
Several copyright photo examples.
And the video.
I’ll add a little from myself. During the preparation of the article, several similar homemade. As a pump, one of the authors used a large syringe. Another master replaced coffee with millet grains. You can also use salt and even sand.