Convertible Gripper Layout for Large and Small Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices struggle to handle workpieces of different sizes efficiently, as double grippers are limited to small workpieces due to space constraints, requiring either sacrificing advantages or replacing the handling device for larger workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with two gripper units on a common holder, where only the outer base jaws are used for gripping, allowing for larger objects to be picked up, and easily convertible between single and double gripper modes with modular gripper fingers for various workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a double gripper is used to handle small workpieces, then productivity is improved through parallel operations, but the device cannot be used for larger workpieces due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper system dynamically changes its configuration by attaching or detaching gripper fingers between operational modes. The control system switches between double gripper mode (with four fingers) for small workpieces and single gripper mode (with two fingers) for larger workpieces, allowing the device to adapt its functionality based on the workpiece size being handled.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the handling device is replaced to accommodate larger workpieces, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and rebuild time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper system is segmented into modular components: a base holder and interchangeable gripper fingers. This segmentation allows the fingers to be independently attached or detached without affecting the main handling device structure, enabling quick reconfiguration between single and double gripper modes without complex rebuilds.
Solution Approach 2:
The same handling device and holder structure serves multiple functions by accommodating different gripper configurations. The universal holder can support either two gripper units (for small workpieces) or a single gripper unit (for larger workpieces), eliminating the need for separate specialized devices.
3Length of stationary object
If only outer base jaws are used for gripping larger objects, then the gripping distance is increased, but the inner base jaws remain unused reducing system utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates or deactivates gripper units based on the workpiece size. For larger workpieces, only the outer base jaws are utilized with corresponding gripper fingers attached, while the inner jaws remain inactive. This dynamic activation ensures optimal gripper span without wasting energy on inactive components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gripping device comprises a holder (100) and two gripper units (210, 210'). Each of the gripper units has a main body (211; 211') and two base cheeks (212, 213; 212', 213'). The base cheeks can be synchronously moved in opposite directions to each other relative to the main body. The gripper units are adjacent to each other on the holder, and thus the base cheeks of the two gripper units can be moved parallel to a common gripper plane. The gripping device is configured as a single gripper by the attachment a first gripper finger (250; 250') only to each of the two outer base cheeks (212, 212'). The gripping device can be very easily converted to the double gripper by the attachment of two additional gripper fingers to the inner base cheeks or by the removal of the first gripper fingers and the attachment of a second gripper finger to each of the four base cheeks.