Fiber Composite Clamp Gripper for Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clamp grippers for container transport systems are complex to manufacture and difficult to clean, and they often fail to effectively handle radial and vertical loads, particularly when gripping containers of different diameters.
Innovation Solution
A clamp gripper composed of two clip legs and a connecting web made from a fiber composite material with varying fiber density, where the web has lower rigidity than the clip legs, allowing for elastic deformation to generate gripping force without joints, and featuring contact cams for secure gripping of containers with different diameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional clamp grippers use complex joints and multi-leg configurations to generate gripping force, then the gripping capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the joint mechanism and the energy storage function into a single integrated web component made of fiber composite material. The web connects the two clamp legs and provides both the elastic deformation capability for gripping force generation and the joint-like pivoting movement, eliminating the need for separate joints and energy storage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fiber composite material with spatially varying fiber density to create a web that exhibits different mechanical properties in different regions. The web has lower fiber density (higher elasticity) in the central region for energy storage and higher fiber density (higher rigidity) in the connection regions for maintaining structural integrity during pivoting and gripping.
2Ease of operation
If clamp grippers use multiple individual components and joints to achieve controlled opening, then the control capability is improved, but the ease of cleaning and sterilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (joints, energy storage elements, connection links) into a single monolithic web structure made of fiber composite material. This eliminates numerous connection points, joints, and gaps that would otherwise trap contaminants, making the clamp gripper much easier to clean and sterilize while maintaining controlled opening capability through the web's elastic deformation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible gripper legs are used to enable elastic deformation for gripping, then the adaptability to different diameters is improved, but the ability to withstand radial and vertical loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatially varying fiber density within the web structure. The central region of the web has lower fiber density to allow elastic deformation and adapt to different container diameters, while the regions near the clamp legs have higher fiber density to provide the strength and rigidity needed to withstand radial and vertical loads during gripping and filling operations.
4Ease of operation
If the fiber density in the web is reduced to enable elastic deformation, then the ease of opening and closing is improved, but the structural rigidity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by designing the web with non-uniform fiber density distribution. The central portion of the web has reduced fiber density to facilitate elastic deformation and easy opening/closing motion, while the peripheral regions adjacent to the clamp legs maintain high fiber density to preserve structural rigidity and stability during operation.
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 provides a structurally simple, easy-to-clean clamp gripper that can withstand typical radial and vertical loads, securely grip containers of varying diameters, and maintain stability during repeated use, while minimizing the need for additional energy storage components.
Implementation Method 1
the fiber density of which is lower in the web than in the clip legs. Since the fiber density in the web is lower than in the clip legs, an area with comparatively low rigidity can be provided in the web. The elasticity of the bar enables the clip legs to be opened and closed without a joint.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The gripper (1) has clamp brackets (2, 3) for gripping a neck area of a container, and an elastically designed rod (4) for connecting the clamp brackets. The clamp brackets and the rod are made from fiber composite material (5), where fiber density of the material in the rod is smaller than in the clamp brackets. The composite material comprises elastic base material (6) in which rigid fibers (7) are embedded, where the fibers run in a longitudinal direction (L) of the clamp brackets. Contact cams (8-11) are formed at the clamp brackets, and project in a gripping direction (G).