Gripping device with a multitude of small fibres using van der Waals forces

摘要

A device comprises at least one structural substrate 3 with a multitude of small scale fibres 2 protruding from the said substrate 3 which are profiled and arranged such that a van der Waals' interaction force is created to grip an object 1. The substrate 3 may be made of flexible material which allows deformation to assists in the removal of the gripping device from the said object 1. The surface of the fibres 2 may have different roughness, porosity, perforations, depressions, grooves or projections. Pores may be arranged in different directions. The fibres 2 may have rigid and flexible portions and their cross-sectional profile may vary along the length of the fibre. The orientation and distribution of the fibres 2 may vary across the surface of the said substrate 3. The fibres 2 may be hydrophobic and self-cleaning. The device may be used to assist in the accurate location, securing and transport of glass sheets or semiconductor wafers and similar materials during manufacturing operations.