Adjustable Attachment Adapter for Gripping Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping devices face challenges in adjusting clamping forces and pliers width for accommodating larger workpieces, requiring a solution that allows for simple and effective expansion of the gripping range.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable attachment adapter system comprising a carriage adapter and a gripping element adapter with a manually operable bolt or ratchet mechanism, utilizing gears such as spur, worm, and rack and pinion, or alternative gear types, to increase the clamping range by allowing parallel displacement and locking of the gripping elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping device is designed for high clamping forces with a fixed gripping width, then the clamping force is sufficient for the intended workpieces, but the gripping device cannot accommodate larger workpieces requiring a wider pliers width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping rangeVSAvoidstructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is divided into modular components: a base body with slide, an attachment adapter with guide attachment, and a gripping element adapter. This segmentation allows the gripping element adapter to be independently adjusted along the guide attachment to change the pliers width, providing adaptability without redesigning the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment adapter introduces a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the gripping element adapter can be manually displaced along the guide attachment and locked at different positions. This dynamic positioning capability enables the gripping width to be changed according to different workpiece sizes while maintaining structural stability through the locking mechanism with positive-locking engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping device uses a fixed attachment system, then the structure is simple and robust, but the gripping width cannot be adjusted for different workpiece sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidadjustment operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to be manually operated without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The gripping element adapter can be directly displaced and locked by hand into the locking recesses of the guide attachment, enabling simple and intuitive adjustment of the gripping width for different workpiece sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Weight of moving object

If the attachment adapter uses lightweight aluminum alloy components, then the overall weight is reduced for handling lighter workpieces, but the strength and stability may be insufficient for high clamping forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment adapter weightVSAvoidclamping force capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment adapter utilizes aluminum alloy components that provide a favorable strength-to-weight ratio. The aluminum alloy construction reduces the overall weight of the attachment adapter for easier handling, while the engineered design of the locking mechanism with positive-locking engagement ensures sufficient strength and stability to maintain high clamping forces when gripping workpieces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables manual adjustment of the gripping device to accommodate larger components, enhancing the workpiece clamping range and versatility for both external and internal grippers, including angular configurations, while maintaining stability and precision.

Implementation Method 1

a spring-loaded slide to prevent it from falling out

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

three gearboxes arranged in series, such as a spur gear, a worm gear, and a rack and pinion gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Implementation Method 3

The slides, which are movable in their longitudinal direction, are guided, for example, by sliding bearings in a guide groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3305479B1Adjustable attachment adapter
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 ZIMMER GUNTHER
  • EP3305479B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3305479B1 patent drawingFigure 2~5
  • EP3305479B1 patent drawingFigure 6

AI summary

The invention relates to an adjustable attachment adapter for manually moving a gripping element (1, 2) mounted on a slide (15) of a gripping device (10), wherein a slide adapter (31) is attached to the slide and a gripping element adapter (61) is attached to the gripping element (1, 2). At least one positive-locking locking or toothed locking device (70), which can be disengaged by a linear manual sliding movement against a spring force, is arranged between the slide adapter (31) and the gripping element adapter (61). The present invention develops an adjustable attachment adapter in conjunction with a gripping device (10) for high clamping forces, the gripping or jaw opening of which can be easily adjusted.