Adaptive Gripper Arm for Variable Object Diameter

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grippers with one-piece, curved or bent gripper arms struggle to securely engage objects with smaller outer circumferences while finding it difficult to enclose larger objects, due to fixed curvature configurations.

Innovation Solution

The gripper arms are pivotally coupled with an adjusting mechanism that allows the angle between the gripper arm parts to be adjusted based on the object's diameter, enabling adaptable curvature to securely engage objects of varying sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If gripper arms are configured with fixed curvature to enclose larger objects, then larger objects can be engaged, but smaller objects cannot be securely clamped due to excessive space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to engage objects of different sizesVSAvoidsecure engagement of objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper arm is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other around a pivot point. This segmentation allows the arm to change its curvature configuration dynamically, enabling secure engagement of both small and large objects by adjusting the angle between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper arm transitions from a fixed curvature configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The arm can change its shape by pivoting segments around a pivot point, allowing it to adapt to different object sizes and maintain reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If gripper arms are made with smaller curvature to secure small objects, then small objects can be tightly engaged, but larger objects cannot be enclosed completely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure clamping of small objectsVSAvoidability to enclose larger objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper arm is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other around a pivot point. This segmentation allows the arm to change its curvature configuration dynamically, enabling secure engagement of both small and large objects by adjusting the angle between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper arm transitions from a fixed curvature configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The arm can change its shape by pivoting segments around a pivot point, allowing it to adapt to different object sizes and maintain reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If gripper arms are made as one-piece curved structure, then the structure is simple and strong, but the curvature cannot be adjusted for different object sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strength of gripper armsVSAvoidadjustability of curvature

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper arm is divided into multiple segments that can pivot relative to each other around a pivot point. This segmentation allows the arm to change its curvature configuration dynamically, enabling secure engagement of both small and large objects by adjusting the angle between segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper arm transitions from a fixed curvature configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. The arm can change its shape by pivoting segments around a pivot point, allowing it to adapt to different object sizes and maintain reliable engagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS8210587B2Gripper for objects

Publication Date: 2012.07.03 PEINEMANN EQUIPMENT BV

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for engaging objects, such as heat exchangers of varying sizes. The device includes at least one gripper provided with at least a first and a second gripper arm, at least one of which is movable with respect to the other gripper arm for enclosing an object therebetween; and a driving mechanism connected to at least one of the first and second gripper arms for closing or opening the gripper as needed, wherein at least one of the first and second gripper arms includes a first and a second gripper arm part that are pivotally coupled together, and an adjusting mechanism provided between the first and second gripper arm parts, the adjusting mechanism being arranged for adjusting the angle between the gripper arm parts in dependence on the diameter of the object to be engaged prior to engaging the object.