Pliers With Contoured Gripper Jaws for Thin Object Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripping pliers are limited in their ability to grip and detect objects thinner than 3 mm due to the switching backlash of the sensor, which requires a minimum object thickness to trigger the sensor, restricting their application range.
Innovation Solution
The pliers feature complementary contours on the gripper jaw elements and a sensor gap configuration where the height of the contours is greater than or equal to the sensor gap width, allowing the gripping of objects of arbitrary thickness and detection, with an adjustable sensor gap and a synchronization element for self-centering closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor with switching backlash is used to detect gripping operations, then the sensor can reliably detect objects of certain thickness, but thin objects thinner than the switching backlash cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension by adding a contour with height to the gripper jaw element. This height dimension allows the jaw element to bridge the sensor gap and trigger the sensor even when gripping very thin objects, effectively adding a Z-axis solution to a primarily X-Y plane problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The contour on the gripper jaw element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the thin object and the sensor. It transfers the gripping force and motion to the sensor, enabling detection of objects that would otherwise be too thin to directly trigger the sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is positioned close to the gripper jaw element to detect thin objects, then thin object detection is enabled, but the switching backlash causes false triggering or unreliable detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the gripper jaw element and sensor with a magnetic or capacitive sensing mechanism. The sensor detects changes in magnetic field or capacitance caused by the contour's position, eliminating the problems of mechanical switching backlash and wear.
3Ease of manufacture
If the gripper jaw elements have simple flat surfaces, then manufacturing is easy, but they cannot reliably grip and detect very thin objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a specific contour feature only to the region of the gripper jaw element that contacts thin objects. The rest of the jaw maintains its simple structure for easy manufacturing, while the localized contour provides enhanced gripping and sensing capabilities for thin objects.
Data Source
AI summary
Pliers which have a first gripper jaw (1) comprising a gripper jaw body (3) and a gripper jaw element (4) that can be moved relative to the gripper jaw body (3), a second gripper jaw (2) comprising a gripper jaw body (3′) and a gripper jaw element (4′) and a sensor (5). The sensor (5) is disposed on the gripper jaw body (3) such that said sensor can be triggered by the gripper jaw element (4). A contour (6) is formed on the gripper jaw element (4′) in a region oriented towards the gripping region of the pliers. A contour (6′) is likewise formed on the gripper jaw element (4) in a region oriented towards the gripping region of the pliers. The contours (6, 6′) are configured such that, in the closed state of the pliers, the contours (6, 6′) are substantially in mesh in a mutually complementary manner.