Adjustable Container Gripper for Multi-Diameter Beverage Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling large-volume beverage containers are not universally applicable to containers of different sizes and require manual handling, which is physically strenuous.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with interchangeable format parts and adjustable stops that can accommodate containers of varying diameters, allowing for flexible adaptation to different container types and sizes, and includes a detection mechanism to prevent collision with containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed gripping device is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot handle containers of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into modular components: interchangeable format parts that can be attached to the gripper jaw and adjustable stops that can be repositioned along the gripper jaw. This segmentation allows the device to be reconfigured for different container sizes without replacing the entire gripping device, thus improving adaptability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device incorporates dynamic elements including pneumatically movable gripper jaws and adjustable stops that can be repositioned along the gripper jaw. This dynamic capability enables the device to adapt to containers of varying diameters by adjusting the position of stops and exchanging format parts, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
2Extent of automation
If manual handling is used, then the device complexity is low, but physical strain is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated manipulator system that uses pneumatic actuators to control the gripper jaws and stops. This substitution eliminates physical strain on operators while the modular design of the manipulator keeps the overall system complexity manageable through standardized components and interchangeable format parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable format parts are used, then adaptability improves, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base gripper jaw is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple interchangeable format parts. Each format part is designed to fit the same interface on the gripper jaw, allowing a single base component to serve multiple functions by simply changing the attached format part. This universality improves adaptability while minimizing the increase in total components.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is segmented into a base gripper jaw and interchangeable format parts, where the format parts are the only variable components needed for different container sizes. This segmentation strategy isolates the complexity to a manageable set of interchangeable parts rather than requiring a completely different gripping device for each container type.
4Adaptability or versatility
If stops are made adjustable, then versatility improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stops are designed to be dynamically adjustable along the gripper jaw, allowing operators to reposition them according to container diameter. This dynamic adjustability is achieved through a simple mechanism that allows the stops to slide or be repositioned on the gripper jaw, providing versatility without requiring a complex reconfiguration system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stops are pre-configured at specific positions along the gripper jaw, allowing operators to quickly select and attach the appropriate stop position before handling different container sizes. This preliminary configuration approach enables rapid adaptation to different container diameters without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for handling containers (10), in particular large-volume beverage containers, with a gripping device (100) having at least one gripper jaw (110), in particular pneumatically, movable in a gripping direction and at least one stop (120) extending downwards from an upper part (130) of the gripping device (100) in the axial direction of the respective containers (10) perpendicular to the gripping direction, wherein the device for handling containers (10) is designed with different diameters, wherein the at least one gripper jaw (110) has a container-dependent interchangeable format part (111) for contacting the containers (10) and wherein the stop (120) can be fixed at different positions on the upper part (130) of the gripping device (100) that are spaced apart from each other in the gripping direction, depending on the container.