Articulable Lifting Attachment for Irregular Objects
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction projects face challenges in lifting and positioning objects of varying shapes and sizes due to the need for multiple bespoke attachments, which increases costs and complexity, as existing attachments are not suitable for irregularly shaped objects and require multiple clamping configurations.
Innovation Solution
An articulable lifting attachment for mechanical articulated arms featuring primary and secondary clamping elements with directional clamping forces, a drivable articulator coupling, and adjustable clamping pads, allowing for secure gripping of objects with different shapes and sizes, and enabling precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single machine with a bespoke gripping head is created for a specific object, then the gripping capability for that specific object is optimized, but the machine becomes unsuitable for multiple applications and objects of different shapes and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting attachment is designed with multiple clamping elements (primary clamping element with clamping jaws and secondary clamping element with clamping pads) that can be activated independently or together, enabling the same attachment to securely grasp objects of various shapes and sizes. The articulator coupling allows the clamping elements to articulate relative to each other, providing adaptability for different object geometries while maintaining reliable gripping capability across multiple applications
2Adaptability or versatility
If cradle-like attachments with clamping fingers are used for cylindrical objects, then the attachment can grasp rounded shapes, but the clamping force is insufficient for irregularly shaped objects and the attachment cannot safely retain them in elevated positions
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment combines both primary clamping elements (with jaws suitable for cylindrical objects) and secondary clamping elements (with pads suitable for irregular shapes) into a single integrated system. Both clamping elements can be activated simultaneously to provide enhanced and distributed clamping forces across objects of any shape, ensuring secure retention in elevated positions while maintaining versatility for different geometries
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachments of differing dimensions and clamping configuration are provided for various objects, then objects of different shapes and sizes can be lifted, but the cost and speed of the project are drastically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates multiple independently controllable clamping elements with different geometries (jaws and pads) that can be selectively activated based on the object shape. The articulator coupling enables these elements to articulate and position themselves appropriately for different object types, allowing a single attachment to replace multiple specialized attachments, thereby reducing project complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive object coverage capability
4Force
If vice-like attachments are used for cuboidal objects, then high clamping forces can be achieved, but the attachment cannot effectively grasp objects of other shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment merges vice-like clamping elements (providing high clamping force for cuboidal objects) with cradle-like clamping elements (suitable for cylindrical and irregular shapes) into a single system. The articulator coupling allows these different clamping elements to articulate and position themselves according to the object geometry, enabling the attachment to deliver high clamping forces adaptively across objects of varying shapes
Data Source
AI summary
An articulable lifting attachment is provided for a mechanical articulated arm. The articulable lifting attachment comprises an attachment body, a clamping head and a drivable articulator coupling interposed between the attachment body and the clamping head. The clamping head is configured to provide two different clamping forces from different directions to ensure that irregular objects can be lifted safely.