Adjustable Tine Clamp Parallel Link Synchronization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing basket tine clamps struggle with synchronized tine movement, accommodating goods of different sizes and shapes, and are not suitable for high-speed operations due to long actuator strokes, leading to potential damage and inefficient handling.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable tine clamp system using parallel links and synchronizing cranks to maintain tine geometry and synchronous operation, allowing for adjustable clamping widths and rapid cycle times with short stroke actuators and mechanical stops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate linear actuators are used to manipulate tines of opposing sides, then the clamp can accommodate goods of different sizes, but the actuators must be closely matched and controlled to operate in synchronization to avoid mishandling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple actuators into a single linear actuator that drives both sides of the clamp through a common linkage mechanism. This ensures synchronized movement of tines on opposing sides while maintaining the ability to accommodate different goods sizes through the adjustable geometry of the linkage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single linear actuator serves multiple functions by driving both sides of the clamp simultaneously. The universal linkage mechanism allows one actuator to control multiple tines, ensuring they move in unison while adapting to various cargo configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long stroke actuators are used to accommodate various goods sizes, then the clamp can handle different dimensions, but the long actuator stroke reduces operation speed and is not suitable for high-speed operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism where the effective stroke required is reduced through geometric transformation. The parallel links and pivot points create a mechanical advantage that converts a short actuator stroke into a larger clamping motion, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining adaptability to various dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage geometry parameters (link lengths, pivot positions) are designed to transform the actuator's short stroke into sufficient clamping displacement. By optimizing these geometric parameters, the system achieves both high speed and dimensional adaptability without requiring long actuator strokes.
3Device complexity
If the clamp geometry is fixed, then the structure is simple and robust, but it cannot accommodate goods of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp structure is segmented into modular linkage components (parallel links, pivot points, tines) that can adjust their relative positions. This segmentation allows the geometry to be modified for different cargo sizes while maintaining overall structural simplicity and robustness through standardized connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp transitions from a fixed geometry to a dynamically adjustable geometry through the linkage mechanism. The parallel links and pivots enable the clamp to adapt its shape and size to match different goods, while the underlying mechanical structure remains simple and robust.
4Productivity
If actuator stroke is reduced for high-speed operation, then cycle time is reduced and productivity increases, but the actuator may not provide sufficient movement range to accommodate all goods sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the short-stroke actuator and the clamping action. It amplifies the limited actuator movement into sufficient clamping displacement through mechanical advantage, allowing high-speed operation with short stroke actuators while maintaining full adaptability to various goods sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage geometry parameters are optimized to maximize the mechanical advantage, converting the actuator's short stroke into the required clamping displacement. This parameter optimization ensures that even with reduced actuator stroke, the system maintains sufficient movement range for all goods sizes while enabling high-speed operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods which provide an adjustable tine clamp configuration are shown. Embodiments provide an adjustable support member configuration which is adapted to maintain a desired geometry of tines throughout an adjustable range. The adjustable support members are preferably adjustable to provide selectable clamping widths, such as to accommodate manipulation of goods of different sizes and shapes. Embodiments utilize parallel links coupled to pivoting tine supports to maintain proper tine geometry throughout the full range of adjustment. Such parallel links are further preferably utilized to actuate associated tines in operation of the adjustable tine clamp. Embodiments further implement a short stroke actuator configuration to facilitate very rapid production cycles.