Container Gripper Radial Blocking Element for Secure Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Container grippers face a challenge in balancing secure gripping to prevent containers from flying off due to centrifugal force during rotor transfer, while also needing to release securely for transfer between rotors, which is difficult with existing designs that restrict material choices and require complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The container gripper employs a blocking element with spring elements that can be moved radially to adjust the closing force, allowing for a secure hold and easy release, using a combination of spring arms and a control curve to transition between blocking and releasing states, enabling quick and tool-free replacement of worn parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the spring arms are preloaded into a closed position by spring tongues or spring arms to grip securely, then the container does not fly off during rotor rotation, but the gripper cannot release easily for transfer between rotors
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed to be movable relative to the spring arms, allowing dynamic adjustment between blocking and releasing states. When the blocking element is in a first position, the spring arms are constrained to maintain gripping force. When moved to a second position, the constraint is released, allowing easy opening for transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spring arms and the container. It controls the spring arms' ability to exert closing force by being positioned in different locations, thereby mediating between the need for secure gripping and easy release.
2Ease of operation
If the blocking element is moved radially to adjust closing force, then the gripper can transition between blocking and releasing states, but the mechanism adds complexity to the gripper structure
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is integrated with the spring arms through a direct mechanical relationship where the blocking element's radial movement directly adjusts the spring arms' closing force. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate control mechanisms while achieving both state transition and force adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing force of the gripper is controlled by changing the position parameter of the blocking element radially. By moving the blocking element to different radial positions, the effective length or leverage of the spring arms changes, thereby adjusting the closing force without requiring complex control systems.
3Device complexity
If gripper arms are made in one piece with spring-elastic extensions to achieve closing force, then the structure is simplified, but the material choices are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper arm is divided into separate components: the main gripper arm structure and the spring-elastic extensions. This segmentation allows the spring extensions to be made from specialized elastic materials while the gripper arm can be made from other suitable materials, expanding material selection flexibility while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper system uses a combination of different materials: the gripper arm can be made from rigid materials for structural support, while the spring-elastic extensions are made from elastic materials to provide closing force. This composite approach allows optimization of each component for its specific function without restricting overall material choices.
4Reliability
If the blocking element is positioned to maximize closing force, then secure holding is achieved, but the force required to move the blocking element increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is designed with specific geometric features at different locations that create varying mechanical advantages. When positioned for maximum holding security, the geometry is optimized for force multiplication. When positioned for easier movement, the geometry allows for reduced actuation force, thereby creating local quality variations that address different operational requirements.
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
This design ensures secure transfer and holding of containers, even with small neck rings, reduces material usage, simplifies assembly and cleaning, and allows for high-capacity transport with low force and wear, while being suitable for various container types and transport devices.
Implementation Method 1
two gripper arms are preloaded into a closed position by spring tongues or spring arms
Implementation Method 2
gripper arms that are made in one piece with spring-elastic extensions
Implementation Method 3
Because the rotor rotates, there is a tendency for containers to fly off the rotor due to centrifugal force
Data Source
AI summary
A container gripper has pivotable gripper arms and a blocking element that comprises a spring element with first and second regions that preloads the gripper arms into a closing position. The blocking element moves between a releasing position and a blocking position such that a closing force exerted in the blocking position exceeds that exerted in the releasing position. The spring elements interact with control surfaces of the gripper arms such that, when the blocking element is in the releasing position, the control surface takes effect against the first region, thereby causing the spring element to exert the first closing force and wherein, when the blocking element is in the blocking position, the control surface takes effect against the second region, thereby causing the spring element to exert the second closing force.