The Boeing Company
Dual function movement component for automated assembly systems

Abstract:

A pneumatic device may be configured and used to provide multiple movement related functions, such as in an automated assembly system. The pneumatic device may comprise a chamber; a sealing element configurable to contact a surface, to enable creating a seal around the chamber by application of pneumatic suction into the chamber; a biasing element configurable to push the sealing element away from the surface; and a pneumatic cushion configurable to expand by application of pneumatic inflow, thus urging the pneumatic device away from the surface.