Bernoulli Gripper

thingiverse

These designs are for a Bernoulli gripper, with variations based solely on thread types and pipe sizes. The cream-colored model is the one I uploaded, while the black device tested in photos is an older version. If you own a 1/2-inch airgun nozzle, the standard thread layout is typically 20 threads per inch, whereas a 3/8-inch nozzle usually features 24 threads per inch. To be safe, I included both layouts in case of any compatibility issues. A Bernoulli gripper generates lift by harnessing the Bernoulli effect, which allows airplanes to ascend. By forcing air out of openings parallel to the surface you want to grip, a low-pressure region is created above the surface that pulls the object towards the gripper. Essentially, it creates a vacuum by rapidly pushing air out. Unfortunately, Bernoulli grippers are not commonly accessible to ordinary individuals due to their price range of $500 to $2000. However, I needed one for experiments at work and designed a low-cost version. Bernoulli grippers have been applied in various fields, including moving delicate objects like silicon wafers (see photos) and developing wall-climbing robots. They are preferred over vacuums in the latter application because they can grip porous or even perforated materials that vacuums would struggle with. You can view a demonstration of a Bernoulli gripper in action on YouTube, located at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phSlc8B4kFo. To operate these devices effectively, the air pressure must remain consistent between 7 and 40psi, depending on the object's weight and how close it is to the gripper. The neoprene or rubber bumpers create this set distance. The less the bumpers protrude, the easier it will be to lift the device. These devices are quite fascinating, and I hope you enjoy exploring their potential applications.