Structural optimization for 2, 3 and 4 fingers mechanical gripper using the finite element method

Authors

  • Elva Lilia Reynoso Jardón Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0729-2822
  • José Miguel Ventura Jiménez Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8966-7883
  • Manuel de Jesús Nandayapa Alfaro Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
  • Yahir de Jesús Mariaca Beltrán Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5786-3224
  • Oscar Tenango Pirin Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1500-9775
  • José Alfredo Ramírez Monares Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2295-4804
  • Quirino Estarada Barbosa Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0623-3780

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v8n3e383

Keywords:

Optimization, Gripper, Structural, Finite element

Abstract

 

In industry, pick-and-place applications are common across many processes. However, grippers play a key role in ensuring proper gripping and support of the materials being handled. This article presents a topological optimization study of mechanical grippers with two, three, and four fingers, all designed under identical usage specifications. The objective is to analyze structural behavior, material usage, and safety factors. The work involves developing physical models of the grippers, defining mesh types, and boundary conditions. Subsequently, finite element analysis and topological optimization are performed to obtain results for deformation, stress, and safety factor. The results show deformation in phalanx 1 across all three cases, with the two-finger gripper exhibiting the highest value at 2.4205 mm. The lowest stress values are observed in the four-finger gripper, reaching 29.25 MPa. In all cases, the safety factor exceeds the value of 2. Finally, material optimization reveals that the greatest reduction, up to 20% occurs in the four-finger gripper, specifically in low-stress regions such as the base support and phalanx 1.

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Author Biographies

Elva Lilia Reynoso Jardón, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez

         

 

 

José Miguel Ventura Jiménez, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez

Translator        

 

 

Manuel de Jesús Nandayapa Alfaro, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México

         

 

 

Yahir de Jesús Mariaca Beltrán, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México

Translator        

 

 

Oscar Tenango Pirin, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México

         

 

 

José Alfredo Ramírez Monares, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México

         

 

 

Quirino Estarada Barbosa, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Manuel Díaz H. No. 518-B Zona Pronaf Condominio, 32315, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México

         

 

 

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Total deformation for the clamping forceps.

Published

2025-09-24

How to Cite

Reynoso Jardón, E. L., Ventura Jiménez, J. M., Nandayapa Alfaro, M. de J., Mariaca Beltrán, Y. de J., Tenango Pirin, O., Ramirez Monares , J. A., & Estarada Barbosa, Q. (2025). Structural optimization for 2, 3 and 4 fingers mechanical gripper using the finite element method. Revista De Ciencias Tecnológicas, 8(3), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.37636/recit.v8n3e383

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