Vention Modular Gripper

Overview

Vention’s modular grippers offer a customizable and simple gripping solution for light and heavy duty applications. The arms attached to the central manifold allow for angle adjustment and cup positioning to suit any application.

The gripper comes in sixteen standard configurations based on different arm lengths, suction cup sizes, and the need for double pick. The technical specifications of each standard configuration will be detailed later in this document.

Additionally, Vention’s Application Engineering department is equipped to create non-standard grippers when necessary, using Vention components.

Applications

Vention’s line of modular grippers are designed to work out of the box with Vention’s Rapid Series Palletizers, offering a simple solution that is easy to deploy, easy to operate, and easy to manage. The grippers are also compatible with any other application requiring pick and place.

Robot Compatibility

Vention’s modular gripper natively supports the robots listed below, all of which can be found on MachineBuilder. Additionally, any robot that has a ISO 9409-1-50 patterned flange or an adaptor with that pattern is compatible.

Technical Specifications

The lifting capacity of the gripper is extremely dependent on the following factors: speed and acceleration of the cobot, number of cups, center of gravity of the box, cup placement, and vacuum level. While the acceleration and cups are easily quantifiable, the vacuum level is more difficult.

To fully validate the gripper selection, it is highly recommended to complete physical tests at Vention’s lab, with the help of the Application Engineering team.

The vacuum created on pick is impacted by the type and porosity of the cardboard, the quality of the tape, and the weight of the box. To account for this, a safety factor is included in the following calculations. The standard operating forces impose a SF of approximately 3, and this will accommodate an SS1 category E-stop.

Note: This assumes a SF of 3, acceleration of 2m/s², and a vacuum level of -60kPa

If the gripper and system are expected to hold the box in the case of a STO power-off E-stop, which is an extremely abrupt and large force, a SF of approximately 8 is recommended.

Calculating Required Theoretical Holding Force (Freq):

SF = Safety factor
m = mass of the box [kg]
a = acceleration of the robot [m/s²]
μ = coefficient of friction (typically 0.5)

Load Case 1:

Load Case 2:

As that majority of applications that require a suction gripper include a component of horizontal acceleration (Case 2), the theoretical holding force of the gripper should be compared to Load Case 2.

Calculating Theoretical Holding Force of the Gripper (Fgrip):

n = number of cups
V = Vacuum level [-kPa]

Disclaimer: These equations provide a high-level approximation of very complex forces that are experienced by the cups, gripper, and boxes. They should be used to guide product selection but cannot replace physical testing, as many of the variables are only accounted for with safety factors. Please speak to Vention’s Application Engineering department for any testing needs.

Example Calculation

When lifting a 15kg box that creates a vacuum of -60kPa on pick, and transporting it with an acceleration of 2m/s² what quantities and sizes of suction cups would be required?

For this application, the suggested setup of cups for standard use cases and SS1 stops would be 4x 75mm cups using MO-GR-100-X075. However, if the application called for resistance to STO stops, a higher safety factor of 8 would be employed earlier in the calculations.

This would result in the recommended setup being 4x 110mm cups using MO-GR-100-X110.

Note that when determining the appropriate configuration for the application, it is highly recommended to place the suction cups near the corners of the box. This can help guide the choice of small, medium, or large gripper.

Additionally, while these calculations act as a first pass for product selection, it is recommended to conduct testing in-house with Vention’s Application Engineering team to ensure that any other factors are accounted for (box and tape quality, cup spacing, etc.)

Configurations

Vention’s modular gripper offers 16 different configurations that are quick and easy to deploy. These standard configurations are available in MachineBuilder and MachineLogic, allowing for  de-risking of projects and applications. The field-adjustability also enables for faster line changeovers, which can translate to more products being shipped every day.

The following table lists some of the technical specifications for Vention’s single grippers. Refer to the linked part pages for 2D and 3D models.

The following table lists some of the technical specifications for Vention’s double grippers. Refer to the linked part pages for 2D and 3D models.

Assembly Instructions

To assemble your modular gripper, the following steps can be used. Note that the same logic will be used for single vs double-pick grippers.

Manifold

Single Zone, Single Input

Every manifold for grippers delivered by Vention will be configured for a single gripping zone. This is enabled by the plug shown, which comes pre-installed by default.

Single Zone, Double Input

This configuration can be used when the air consumption needed by the gripper is higher than standard. This configuration is uncommon as the standard number of cups do not require this additional flow. The fitting can be installed as shown below:

Step 1. Remove the threaded plug from the “IN 2” side of the manifold using a 1/4” Allen key (a 6mm Allen key is also suitable).

Step 2. Fasten the provided 12mm fitting in the available port using a 8mm Allen key or equivalent.

Double Zone, Double Input

Step 1. Remove threaded plug from “IN 2” side using a 1/4” Allen key (a 6mm Allen key is also suitable).

Step 2. Thread it in through the “IN 2” side of the manifold using a 6mm Allen key or equivalent.

Step 3. Advance the plug until it is barely visible through the “OUT” fittings on the “IN 1” side. A diagram of this can be seen below:

Step 4. Finish assembly by fastening the provided 12mm fitting in the available port using a 8mm Allen key or equivalent.

Small Gripper

Bulkhead

Step 1. When installing the bulkhead on the small single grippers, simply ensure that the hex nut has been fully threaded to the bottom of the bulkhead as shown.

Step 2. Once this is complete, pass the bulkhead through the bore of the manifold.

Step 3. Fully thread the provided 90degree 12mm fitting into the bulkhead. This will securely fasten them to the manifold.

Step 4. Once the provided suction cups have been installed into the bottom of the bulkheads, the provided 12mm tubing can be cut to length and inserted into the fittings.

Medium and Large Gripper

Bulkhead

Step 1. When installing the bulkhead on the medium or large single grippers, simply ensure that the hex nut has been removed from the bulkhead so it can be threaded on later.

Step 2. Once this is complete, pass the bulkhead through the slot in the medium or large arm.

Step 3. Fasten the bulkhead into the slot of the arm using the hex nut removed in step 1.

Step 4. To complete the bulkhead assembly, fully thread on the 90 degree fitting on top of the bulkhead and add the desired suction cup.

Arms

Step 1. To install the medium or large arms onto the manifold, simply push the exposed shaft into the manifold bore, indexed as needed using the dowel pin.

Step 2. Once indexed and pressed on, fasten the provided M6x16mm bolts through the washer. This can be completed with a 5mm Allen key or equivalent.

Step 3. Once the arms and cups are adjusted to the application’s needs, the provided 12mm tubing can be cut to length and inserted.

Double Gripper

Step 1. Fasten the first Single Gripper to the provided Double Pick Bracket. Assembly instructions are shown in the sections above for Small, Medium, and Large Single Grippers. Provided M6x20mm fasteners can be attached using a 5mm T-handle or equivalent.

Note: Ensure that the arms are positioned so that they will not collide with the second single gripper to be added!

Step 2. Fasten the second single gripper in the same fashion as Step 1.

Step 3. Once fully assembled, adjust arm angles and bulkhead locations as needed. Then cut provided 12mm tubing to length and insert them into the fittings.

Maintenance

When using and storing suction cups and other similar rubber products, it is recommended to follow the guidelines provided in ISO 2230. This will aid in preventing premature deterioration, hardening, and permanent surface damage.

When handling suction cups and their use during operation, it is recommended to avoid contact with dirt and grease. When cleaning, mild detergents and lukewarm water will offer the best solution. This solution can also be used to remove “blooming”, which refers to when rubber develops a light white frosting.

The life expectancy of suction cups varies with use and the application. Generally, the life expectancy of suction cups in storage is approximately 24 months. If the suction cups are being used on very thin cardboard, it is possible that excess cardboard can accumulate on the mesh filters leading to degraded performance. It is advised to check the mesh of these cups periodically.

If the suction cups are in constant use and wear, it is possible that they will need periodic replacement. Contact our Customer Service or Application Engineering teams to arrange the purchase of new suction cups; or find all available suction cups on our Marketplace