Disc Gripper Pivoting Jaw Mechanism for Library Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Disc retrieval units in disc libraries face challenges in securely gripping and transporting storage discs without power, while existing solutions suffer from high friction and wear due to complex mechanisms, affecting grip force consistency and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A disc gripper device with a pivoting element and a pair of jaw devices that clamp the disc near its outer edge, using a lead screw and caliper system to grip and release the disc, allowing secure holding without power and minimizing friction through low-friction actuation motions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to grip and transport storage discs, then gripping capability is improved, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism is divided into two independent jaw devices (first jaw and second jaw) that can be actuated separately or simultaneously. Each jaw is a distinct component with its own contact surface, allowing independent optimization of gripping function while reducing the complexity of any single moving part, thereby minimizing friction and wear.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex centralized actuation mechanism, the patent employs a simple pivoting element that rotates about an axis, with the jaw devices actuated by this rotation. The complexity is inverted by using a simple rotational motion to control what would otherwise require complex linear actuation, reducing friction and mechanical wear.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to grip and transport storage discs, then gripping capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is segmented into modular components: a housing, a simple pivoting element, and two jaw devices. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function with minimal complexity, while the overall system achieves reliable gripping through their coordinated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using a simple rotational pivoting element to control the jaw devices, rather than using complex linear actuators. This inversion reduces device complexity while maintaining gripping capability through the mechanical advantage of the pivot geometry.
3Reliability
If jaw devices clamp the disc near its outer edge, then grip force consistency is improved, but the risk of disc damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw devices are designed with specific local properties: the contact surfaces are positioned near the outer edge of the disc where grip force consistency is maximized, but the contact area and pressure distribution are optimized to minimize stress concentration. The jaw geometry and material properties are tailored to provide gentle yet firm contact, reducing the risk of disc damage while maintaining consistent grip.
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 solution enables secure disc handling and transport with reduced friction and wear, maintaining grip force without power and improving the reliability of disc handling in disc libraries.
Implementation Method 1
using a lead screw and caliper system to grip and release the disc
Implementation Method 2
A pivoting element on a shaft is connected to the housing. The pivoting element is connected to a moveable jaw device and configured to force the moveable jaw device at any given moment towards or away from a face of a storage disc, as the pivoting element pivots about a first axis.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a motor configured to drive a driving element within a housing. A pivoting element on a shaft is connected to the housing. The pivoting element is connected to a moveable jaw device and configured to force the moveable jaw device at any given moment towards or away from a face of a storage disc, as the pivoting element pivots about a first axis. A fixed jaw device is connected to the housing. The moveable jaw device and the fixed jaw device form a gripper device configured to clamp a particular portion of opposite first and second surfaces of a storage disc.