Adjustable Gripper Jaws for Rigid and Flexible Component Placement

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripper arrangements in switchgear and control system manufacturing are limited in handling components with varying dimensions and mechanical strengths, requiring multiple gripper arrangements or frequent jaw changes to accommodate different parts.

Innovation Solution

A gripper arrangement with adjustable gripper jaws and projections on outer sides, capable of securely gripping both rigid and flexible components, using a linear adjustment unit for precise positioning and stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gripper arrangements or frequent jaw changes are used to accommodate different components, then the ability to handle various dimensions and mechanical strengths is improved, but the device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle various componentsVSAvoidnumber of gripper arrangements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper jaw is designed with dual functionality: the inner side with facing surfaces for clamping rigid components, and the outer side with projections for engaging flexible components. This universal design allows a single gripper arrangement to handle both mechanically fixed components (mounting rails, electrical components) and flexible parts (cable ducts) without requiring multiple specialized grippers or jaw changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper jaw incorporates adjustable elements that can change configuration based on the component being handled. The linear adjusting unit enables dynamic modification of the gripper jaw's geometry, allowing transition between different gripping modes to adapt to varying component dimensions and mechanical properties during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single gripper arrangement is used for all components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to handle different dimensions and mechanical strengths deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of gripper arrangementsVSAvoidability to handle various components

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper jaw is designed with dual functionality: the inner side with facing surfaces for clamping rigid components, and the outer side with projections for engaging flexible components. This universal design allows a single gripper arrangement to handle both mechanically fixed components (mounting rails, electrical components) and flexible parts (cable ducts) without requiring multiple specialized grippers or jaw changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper jaw incorporates adjustable elements that can change configuration based on the component being handled. The linear adjusting unit enables dynamic modification of the gripper jaw's geometry, allowing transition between different gripping modes to adapt to varying component dimensions and mechanical properties during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If frequent jaw changes are implemented to accommodate different components, then the component-specific gripping accuracy is improved, but the productivity and processing time deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping accuracyVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripper jaw incorporates adjustable elements that can change configuration based on the component being handled. The linear adjusting unit enables dynamic modification of the gripper jaw's geometry, allowing transition between different gripping modes to adapt to varying component dimensions and mechanical properties during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12570005B2Gripper arrangement for component placement on mounting plates in switchgear and control system manufacturing

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 RITTALWERK RUDOLF LOH GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A gripper arrangement for component placement on mounting plates in switchgear and control system construction, the gripper arrangement having two gripper jaws whose distance from one another can be adjusted by means of a linear adjusting unit, wherein the gripper jaws each have at least one projection at the end on their outer sides facing away from one another.