OPENTECHNICAL PUBLICATION
OT-2026-000003390

Self aligning vacuum nozzle

Published: 2026-09-15T20:20:31.128258Z
Permanent URL: https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000003390
Categories: Robotics & Automation > Robot Architectures

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ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a self aligning, vacuum end effector which is
capable of picking up objects which have a pick up surface which is not planar
with the pick up surface of the end effector. The end effector is comprised of
two parts: a nozzle base which fixedly attaches to an automatic assembly
device, such as robotic arm; and a nozzle tip, which is the part of the end
effector which actually comes in contact with the object to be picked up. The
nozzle base and nozzle tip are secured together by a retention spring. The
nozzle tip has a generally, semi-spherically shaped ball portion which is
partly inserted into a bore within the nozzle base and rests against a quad
ring which is secured within the bore. Consequently, when the nozzle tip makes
contact with an object which is to be picked up and moved, the semi-spherical
ball portion of the nozzle tip slides against the quad ring and the nozzle tip
pivotally moves and aligns itself with the plane of the surface of the object
to be picked up. Hollowed through the center of both parts of the end effector
is a passageway through which a vacuum source supplied by the robotic arm can
be effected at the contact surface of the nozzle tip, so that the object can
be picked up.

1. Drawings

[0001] Sheet 1.

[0002] Sheet 2.

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OpenTechnical publication OT-2026-000003390
Published 2026-09-15T20:20:31.128258Z
https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000003390