Detachable Air Chuck Finger Locking for Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air chucks face challenges in maintaining a fixed positional relationship between the pair of fingers when the chuck unit is detached from the operation unit, leading to displacement issues that complicate attachment and detachment, especially in automated systems.
Innovation Solution
The air chuck incorporates a locking mechanism with a plunger, locking spring, and engagement members to lock the pair of fingers in fixed positions when detached, using a support member and accommodating holes for the plunger and engagement members, ensuring the fingers remain locked in open or closed positions during detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the chuck unit is made freely attachable and detachable from the operation unit, then the adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but the positional stability of the fingers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is activated automatically when the chuck unit is detached from the operation unit. The plunger is pushed by the locking spring to the locking position, causing the engagement member to engage with the pair of fingers and lock them in place before any displacement can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member acts as an intermediary element that connects the plunger to the pair of fingers. When engaged, it transfers the locking force from the plunger to the fingers, maintaining their positional relationship without requiring direct connection between the chuck unit and operation unit.
2Ease of operation
If the fingers are allowed to be freely displaced when detached, then the ease of operation is improved, but the time required for accurate position adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates automatically based on the attachment/detachment state of the chuck unit. When detached, the locking spring automatically pushes the plunger to engage the fingers, eliminating the need for manual intervention or additional mechanisms to maintain finger positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is added to maintain finger positions, then the positional stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated into the existing structure of the chuck unit. The plunger, locking spring, and engagement member are incorporated within the support member and accommodating hole, combining the locking function with the existing support structure rather than adding separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement member serves multiple functions: it locks the fingers in position when the chuck unit is detached, and it allows free movement when the chuck unit is attached to the operation unit. This single component handles both locked and unlocked states without requiring separate mechanisms.
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
This design allows for easy attachment and detachment of the chuck unit without the need for additional adjustment mechanisms, simplifying automated replacement and maintaining finger positions, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger is displaced to a locking position by being pushed by the locking spring when the chuck unit is detached from the operation unit
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To prevent a pair of fingers that are included in a chuck unit from being freely displaced when the chuck unit is detached from an operation unit. [Solution] An air chuck 1 includes a chuck unit 2 including a pair of fingers 4a and 4b that capable of being freely opened and closed, an operation unit 3 that includes an operation mechanism 5, which opens and closes the pair of fingers 4a and 4b, connection mechanisms 6 for attaching the chuck unit 2 to the operation unit 3 such that the chuck unit 2 is freely attachable and detachable to and from the operating unit 3, and a locking mechanism 7 that locks the pair of fingers 4a and 4b such that the pair of fingers 4a and 4b are capable of being freely opened and closed when the chuck unit 2 is attached to the operation unit 3 and such that the pair of fingers 4a and 4b are not able to be opened or closed when the chuck unit 2 is detached from the operation unit 3.