Design and performance research of cyclonic mechanical gripper

Abstract

To achieve effective gripping of large planar and flexible targets while reducing the risk of scratching, a novel cyclonic-type mechanical gripper based on rotating blades is studied. Firstly, the working principle of this cyclonic gripper is analyzed in detail, followed by the structural design of the gripper unit. Using Fluent computational fluid dynamics software, the flow characteristics of the airflow within the cyclonic gripper chamber are analyzed, and the influence of gripper structural parameters on suction force is investigated. Finally, a suction force testing platform for the cyclonic gripper is constructed, and experimental validation of the simulated suction force results is conducted. The research indicate that the proposed cyclonic-type mechanical gripper based on rotating blades can effectively grip targets, while the suction force is closely related to parameters such as blade rotation speed, number, and diameter.