Adjustable Finger Gripper for Multi-Geometry Workpiece Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tooling systems for manufacturing and assembly operations face challenges in adapting to various workpiece configurations due to the need for complex planning and multiple actuators, leading to high costs and maintenance issues, and existing grippers are not easily adjustable for different workpiece geometries, resulting in inefficiencies and machine downtime.
Innovation Solution
A finger-driven work-holding system with adjustable longitudinally extending fingers and a locking mechanism that secures the fingers in desired positions, allowing for automatic adjustment and secure gripping of workpieces with customizable tips to accommodate different configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grippers and tooling assemblies are purchased and stored to accommodate different workpiece configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper fingers are made dynamically adjustable in length through longitudinal movement within slots, allowing a single gripper assembly to adapt to multiple workpiece configurations without requiring multiple different gripper tools. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by providing versatility through one device rather than requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
A single gripper assembly with adjustable fingers serves multiple functions by accommodating various workpiece geometries and sizes. The universal design allows the same gripper to handle different workpieces without exchange, eliminating the need for multiple specialized grippers and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple grippers and tooling assemblies are purchased and stored to accommodate different workpiece configurations, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper fingers can be dynamically adjusted in length during operation to match different workpiece configurations. This eliminates the need to stop the machine to exchange gripper assemblies, thereby reducing machine downtime while maintaining the ability to handle various workpiece types.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper fingers are pre-configured with adjustable lengths that can be quickly modified before each workpiece handling task. This preliminary adjustment capability allows the system to be ready for different workpiece geometries without requiring time-consuming exchanges during operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple gripper geometries are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper fingers incorporate longitudinal adjustment capability within slots, adding adaptability to otherwise simple gripper geometries. This dynamic feature allows the simple base design to accommodate various workpiece configurations, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper finger is segmented into adjustable sections that can move independently within defined slots. This segmentation allows the finger to adapt its effective geometry for different workpieces while maintaining a simple overall structure that is easy to manufacture, combining both ease of manufacture and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An example device includes fingers that are adjustable longitudinally and configured to grip a workpiece. A clamping or locking mechanism can be used to secure the fingers at desired longitudinal positions. In examples, a retaining component is disposed through the fingers and is configured to retain the fingers in lateral directions.