Chuck Apparatus Single Coil Impedance Detection

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional chuck apparatuses with multiple coils for detecting the opening/closing amount of gripping members result in increased size and manufacturing costs, as well as reduced accuracy due to complex structures.

Innovation Solution

A chuck apparatus with a detection mechanism using a single coil wound around a bobbin inserted through the gripping members, where the coil's impedance change is measured to accurately detect the opening/closing amount, reducing the apparatus's size and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple coils are arranged along the displacement direction of the gripping members for detection, then the opening/closing amount can be detected, but the number of parts increases and manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coils that were previously arranged along the displacement direction are merged into a single coil structure. The bobbin is designed with multiple windings that function as one integrated detection element, eliminating the need for multiple separate coils while maintaining detection capability across the full range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is wound around a bobbin that is inserted through the gripping members. The bobbin structure allows the coil to be nested within the gripping member assembly, with the coil winding around the bobbin in a compact configuration. This nesting approach consolidates multiple detection functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If multiple coils are arranged along the displacement direction of the gripping members for detection, then the opening/closing amount can be detected, but the apparatus becomes large in scale

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidapparatus size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coils that were previously arranged along the displacement direction are merged into a single coil structure. The bobbin is designed with multiple windings that function as one integrated detection element, eliminating the need for multiple separate coils while maintaining detection capability across the full range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is wound around a bobbin that is inserted through the gripping members. The bobbin structure allows the coil to be nested within the gripping member assembly, with the coil winding around the bobbin in a compact configuration. This nesting approach consolidates multiple detection functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If multiple coils are arranged along the displacement direction of the gripping members for detection, then the opening/closing amount can be detected, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple coils that were previously arranged along the displacement direction are merged into a single coil structure. The bobbin is designed with multiple windings that function as one integrated detection element, eliminating the need for multiple separate coils while maintaining detection capability across the full range of motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is wound around a bobbin that is inserted through the gripping members. The bobbin structure allows the coil to be nested within the gripping member assembly, with the coil winding around the bobbin in a compact configuration. This nesting approach consolidates multiple detection functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

The solution allows for precise detection of the gripping member's opening/closing amount with minimal errors, enabling reliable gripping and reduced manufacturing costs by simplifying the detection mechanism and preventing size increases.

Implementation Method 1

the amount of opening/closing of the gripping members is detected based on an induced output signal that is output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS8100414B2Chuck apparatus

Publication Date: 2012.01.24 SMC CORP

AI summary

A piston is displaced by a pressure fluid supplied to a chuck body, whereupon a pair of first and second fingers that constitute a gripping member are operated to open and close along a base body. Further, a shaft-shaped bobbin is inserted through the interior of the first and second fingers, and a coil is wound around a small diameter portion of the bobbin. Accompanying opening/closing operations of the first and second fingers, an opening/closing amount thereof is detected based on a change in impedance of the coil.