Gripping Device for Disk Objects with Synchronous Claws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for disc-shaped objects face issues with asynchronous movement of gripping claws due to individual spring elements around guide rods, leading to potential jamming and require a large axial installation space.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with a piston guided by a guide hood and pin to prevent tilting, utilizing a spring element between the hood and base body for axial movement, and a gear mechanism that couples piston movement to guide rods for synchronous radial movement of gripping claws, allowing for a compact, flat design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If individual spring elements are provided around guide rods to move gripping claws radially inwards, then the gripping claws can be adjusted radially inwards, but it cannot be guaranteed that all guide rods with gripping claws are moved synchronously radially inwards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the individual spring elements into a single common spring that acts on all guide rods simultaneously. This common spring is arranged in a plane perpendicular to the piston's movement direction and exerts radial inward forces on multiple guide rods at once, ensuring synchronous movement of all gripping claws without the variability of individual springs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a common spring as an intermediary element that mediates the force transmission to multiple guide rods. This common spring acts as a unified force source that distributes radial inward forces evenly across all guide rods, ensuring synchronized operation of the gripping claws.
2Ease of operation
If a piston with piston rod and conical expanding body is used to move gripping claws radially outwards, then the gripping claws can be moved radially outwards, but the gripping device requires a comparatively large amount of installation space in the axial direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the common spring from an axial arrangement (along the piston rod) to a radial arrangement (in a plane perpendicular to the piston movement). This dimensional change allows the spring to exert radial forces on guide rods without requiring additional axial space, thereby reducing the overall axial installation space of the gripping device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the spring function from the piston rod assembly, placing the common spring in a separate plane perpendicular to the piston movement. This segmentation allows the spring to operate independently in a radial plane, eliminating the need for extended axial space that would be required if the spring were arranged along the piston rod.
3Reliability
If the piston diameter is increased to prevent tilting or jamming, then the piston is more stable in the cylinder, but the gripping device requires more axial space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the spring arrangement from the axial dimension to the radial dimension by positioning the common spring in a plane perpendicular to the piston movement. This allows the piston to maintain a compact axial profile while still providing sufficient radial support and stability through the guide hood and pin mechanism.
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
Ensures synchronous movement of gripping claws, reduces axial space requirements, and allows for operation in clean rooms by using vacuum for release only, with a compact and efficient design.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element is provided between the hood and the base body in such a way that when the vacuum chamber is subjected to vacuum, the piston is moved counter to the spring force of the spring element and when the vacuum chamber is depressurized, the piston is moved in the direction of the spring force of the spring element
Implementation Method 2
The pressure chamber is a negative pressure chamber which can be subjected to negative pressure in order to move the piston. This has the advantage that the gripping device can also be used in clean rooms, since if abrasion should occur on the piston or on the spring element arranged between the piston and the hood, which is then preferably located within the vacuum space, this is sucked off via the vacuum space will.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
The device (10) has a base with gripping claws (14) arranged at an outer circumference of a disk-shaped article, where the claws are adjustably guided relative to the base. An axially running cylinder (24) has a piston (26) limiting a negative pressure chamber and adjustably guiding into the cylinder. The piston is movably coupled with the gripping claws by guide rods (22) cooperating with a transmission (46). The piston has a guidance cover (30) extending in an axial direction, where the cover cooperates with a base-side tap, which lies in the cover, for guiding the piston.