Adaptive Shell Gripping Device with Cam-Actuated Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping devices for large-caliber shells are inadequate for handling shells of different lengths, leading to poor gripping and safety risks due to non-adapted geometries.

Innovation Solution

A gripping device with a pair of jaws that pivot about a pivot pin, featuring a locking mechanism with connecting rods and elastic return means, allowing for adjustable gripping of shells of varying lengths through a movable stop and articulations, ensuring secure clamping and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping device uses fixed geometry jaws adapted to specific shell dimensions, then the gripping is secure for that specific shell type, but the device cannot handle shells of different lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle shells of different lengthsVSAvoidgripping security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the jaw geometry adaptive through a cam mechanism. The cam profile is designed to guide the jaw during closing, allowing the contact point on the shell to vary dynamically. This enables the same jaw geometry to securely grip shells of different lengths by adjusting where along the shell surface the gripping force is applied, rather than requiring fixed geometry adapted to each shell type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of jaw contact position along the shell surface. By using a cam mechanism with a specific profile, the effective gripping parameters (contact location, angle of application) are dynamically adjusted based on the shell length, allowing secure gripping across variable dimensions without changing the physical jaw geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If the cam geometry is fixed to define jaw closing position, then the jaw closing is precise, but the device cannot adapt to shells of variable lengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw closing position precisionVSAvoidadaptability to variable shell lengths

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it defines the jaw closing position with precision while simultaneously adapting to different shell lengths. The cam profile is designed to provide guided closing motion that maintains precise control over jaw engagement while accommodating variations in shell dimensions, making the single cam structure universal for handling multiple shell types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the locking means passes through an unstable equilibrium position, then the locking is secure and maintains position during vibrations, but the mechanism requires more complex control to initiate movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking stability during vibrationsVSAvoidease of initiating jaw movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by designing the cam profile to anticipate and counteract the instability of the equilibrium position. The cam geometry is shaped so that as the jaw closes, it naturally builds up the force needed to push through the unstable equilibrium point of the locking mechanism. This preliminary buildup of force in the closing motion ensures secure locking while maintaining ease of operation, as the same closing force that closes the jaw also provides the necessary energy to overcome the equilibrium barrier.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device provides safer and adaptable gripping of shells of different lengths by passing through an unstable equilibrium position, ensuring secure clamping and efficient release, while the elastic return means maintain the locking position even during vibrations.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic return means linking each first articulation at a so-called central point positioned in the middle of the central segment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11312597B2Gripping device for shells

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 NEXTER SYST SA

AI summary

A gripping device for shells that includes a pair of jaws intended to clamp a shell, each jaw being able to pivot towards a closed position obtained by applying the top end of each jaw to the shell. A locking means links the top ends of the jaws and includes two connecting rods and a central segment linking these connecting rods. The connecting rods are articulated relative to the jaws by a first articulation and by a second articulation to the central segment. A spring links each first articulation to a central point of the segment. A movable stop situated above the locking means is capable of pushing the locking means downwards until it is below an unstable equilibrium position of the locking means.