Configurable Battery Plate Gripper Layout for Fast Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery manufacturing systems require significant time and effort to reconfigure when switching between different configurations of battery plate groups, limiting flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A battery plate handling apparatus with configurable gripper modules mounted on a horizontal elongate rack, allowing for adjustable positioning and orientation of gripper units to accommodate various plate group configurations, along with fixed gripper modules for added stability and versatility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed gripper mechanisms are used with set spacing, then the apparatus can handle a specific battery plate configuration, but the apparatus requires complete reconfiguration when a different configuration is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanisms are made dynamically adjustable through motorized positioning systems that allow the spacing between grippers to be changed electronically. This replaces fixed mechanical spacing with controllable dynamic positioning, enabling rapid reconfiguration between different battery plate configurations without physical reassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing of key parameters such as gripper spacing, positioning coordinates, and gripping forces through programmable controls. By storing multiple configuration profiles in memory, the system can quickly switch between different battery plate arrangements by simply loading the appropriate parameter set, avoiding time-consuming manual reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed gripper mechanisms are positioned to handle specific plate groups, then the handling is stable and precise, but the apparatus complexity increases when attempting to accommodate multiple configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanisms are designed as universal, multi-functional units that can perform multiple positioning and handling tasks through programmable control. Rather than having separate fixed mechanisms for each configuration, a single set of grippers can be electronically repositioned to handle various plate arrangements, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical reconfiguration systems with electronic and software-based control mechanisms. Instead of physical adjustment mechanisms for each possible configuration, the system uses motorized actuators and control algorithms to achieve positioning, significantly simplifying the mechanical structure while enabling flexible reconfiguration.
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 rapid reconfiguration of the handling apparatus to accommodate different battery plate group arrangements, improving manufacturing flexibility and reducing setup time, while maintaining precise handling and alignment of battery plates.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus further comprises an elongate rack. The rack comprises teeth along a first side and an opposing second side. The first and second units are mounted adjacent to each other on the rack. Operation of each drive mechanism causes rotation of the respective pinion to be converted into linear motion of the respective unit along the rack.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery plate handling apparatus comprises a horizontal elongate rack and gripper modules mounted so as to be movable along the rack. Each gripper module comprises a gripper unit carrier mounted on the rack and a gripper unit mounted on the gripper unit carrier for gripping groups of battery plates. The gripper modules comprise at least two adjacent configurable modules each comprising a gripper unit sub-mounting pivotally mounted on a respective carrier so as to pivot around a vertical axis spaced to one side of the rack. The gripper unit sub-mounting comprises a horizontal sub-rack on which a pair of gripper units are mounted such that the horizontal separation between the gripper units can be varied. The horizontal sub rack of one of the sub-mountings is higher than the horizontal sub-rack of the other sub-mounting. A process for configuring the apparatus is also disclosed.