Container Gripper With Absorber For Damage-Free Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packaging systems fail to maintain the proper orientation and prevent damage of containers during the packaging process, particularly in multi-packs, leading to issues like scratches and dents.
Innovation Solution
A container gripper system with a receiving end and a locking end, featuring an absorber to dampen contact forces, an insert with a higher coefficient of friction for maintaining orientation, and a track-based mechanism to direct containers, ensuring they are oriented and handled efficiently without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional grippers are used to handle containers, then containers can be moved and grouped, but containers suffer from orientation loss, scratches, and dents
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper incorporates a compression element positioned between the gripper body and the container that compresses upon contact to cushion the impact force. This beforehand cushioning prevents dents and damage to the container while still allowing effective handling and orientation maintenance throughout the packaging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper features a receiving end with a specific geometry designed to marry the container body, providing a localized contact interface that maintains container orientation. The insert with higher coefficient of friction is applied only at the contact surface where orientation control is needed, rather than modifying the entire gripper structure.
2Productivity
If conventional handling methods are used, then containers can be moved quickly, but proper orientation cannot be maintained throughout the packaging process
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is designed with a receiving end geometry that preliminarily establishes the correct container orientation upon initial contact. The lug with horizontally extended shaft and the track mechanism are configured to guide and direct the container into the proper orientation before the packaging process begins, maintaining this orientation throughout subsequent handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert acts as an intermediary element between the gripper body and the container, providing a contact surface with higher friction that prevents slippage and maintains orientation. This intermediary surface enables precise orientation control without requiring complex mechanical constraints that would slow down the packaging process.
3Ease of operation
If high friction contact surfaces are used to maintain orientation, then containers can be securely held, but containers may suffer from scratches due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The compression element is positioned to compress before the high-friction insert contacts the container, cushioning the initial impact force. This beforehand cushioning allows the subsequent high-friction contact to occur at reduced force levels, maintaining secure grip while minimizing the risk of scratches from excessive friction.
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 system effectively maintains the orientation of containers throughout the packaging process, reducing the likelihood of scratches and dents while allowing for efficient handling and grouping of containers of varying sizes and types.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber coupled to at least one of the ends configured to dampen contact forces imparted on the gripper
Implementation Method 2
The insert can include a material having a higher coefficient of friction than the gripper body
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper including a receiving end and a locking end and an absorber coupled to at least one of the ends configured to dampen contact forces imparted on the gripper, wherein the receiving end is shaped to marry a container body.