Dairy Handling Clamp Mechanism for Variable Vessel Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dairy-production vehicles struggle to handle objects of different sizes without a complex construction or auxiliary aids, necessitating improved object-handling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipped with an object-handling mechanism featuring two main clamping arms and two auxiliary clamping systems, actuated by a single piston/cylinder device and coordinated by a coordination arm, allowing reliable gripping and release of objects of varying sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple object-handling mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to handle objects of different sizes reliably deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The object-handling mechanism is segmented into multiple independent clamping systems (first clamping system with first and second clamping arms, third clamping arm; second clamping system with fourth and fifth clamping arms, sixth clamping arm). Each clamping system can independently contact and clamp different portions of the object, allowing reliable handling of objects with varying sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple clamping systems are added to handle different object sizes, then handling versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping systems are merged into a single integrated object-handling mechanism mounted on the vehicle. The first through sixth clamping arms are coordinated through a common control system, allowing the mechanism to handle objects of different sizes with a unified structure rather than requiring separate mechanisms for different object types.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping arms are designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The first through sixth clamping arms can pivot and position themselves to contact different portions of objects with varying sizes and shapes, providing adaptability without requiring a complex array of fixed-position clamps for every possible object dimension.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a complex construction is used to handle various object sizes, then handling versatility improves, but manufacturing cost and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The object-handling mechanism with its six clamping arms is designed as a universal system that can handle multiple types of objects (vessels, filtration trays, brine trays, cheese wheels) with varying sizes and shapes using the same basic structure. This multi-functionality is achieved through the coordinated action of the clamping arms rather than through complex specialized mechanisms for each object type, simplifying manufacturing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle (1) for use in a dairy-production process comprises an object-handling mechanism (5) which is configured to pick up and hold an object (6) and to release said object again, and a holder (8) on which the object-handling mechanism is mounted. The object-handling mechanism comprises two main clamping arms (9) which extend next to one another with a gap, an actuator device which is configured to cause the main clamping arms to move towards one another or away from one another, and two auxiliary clamping systems (13) with an auxiliary clamping arm (14), which extends at least partially in the gap between the main clamping arms (9) and a connecting arm (15). On account of the connecting arm, during a movement of the main clamping arms in relation to one another, a change in the position of the auxiliary clamping arms in relation to the main clamping arms is realized automatically at the same time. Consequently, the object-handling mechanism is ideal for reliably picking up and firmly clamping objects of different sizes, such as vessels with different diameters.