Dual-Axis Suction Gripper for Delicate Roll Packaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for gripping or grasping products, especially those with weak or delicate surfaces, fail to provide a safe and reliable grip due to insufficient holding action, making them unsuitable for handling products like rolls of toilet paper or food packaging.
Innovation Solution
A device with dual suctioning surfaces angled 90 degrees apart, one for the upper surface and one for the side surface, allows for efficient grasping without excessive stress on the product, using suction chambers and elastic materials to distribute stress evenly and provide a secure hold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction cups are used to engage the product surface, then the device can grasp lightweight products, but the holding action is insufficient and the grip is not safe and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the gripping function into two separate suction surfaces: a first suction surface for engaging the upper face of the product and a second suction surface for engaging the lateral face. This segmentation allows each surface to contribute to the total holding force, thereby improving reliability without requiring excessive force from a single surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-plane gripping approach to a multi-dimensional approach by adding a lateral suction surface that engages the side face of the product. This dimensional extension enables the device to distribute gripping forces across different spatial planes, enhancing overall holding reliability.
2Reliability
If suctioning members that firmly engage the upper surface are used, then high holding action is achieved, but the device is unsuitable for products with weak or delicate surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gripping function across two surfaces (upper and lateral), the device distributes the total holding force across different contact areas. This reduces the stress concentration on any single delicate surface, preventing damage while maintaining reliable holding action.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different gripping characteristics to different parts of the product: the first suction surface engages the upper face with appropriate suction force, while the second suction surface engages the lateral face. This localized approach allows each surface to contribute optimally without over-stressing any single area of the delicate packaging.
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
Enables safe and reliable gripping of products without damaging their packaging, allowing for effective handling of lightweight and delicate items like toilet paper rolls and tissue packs.
Implementation Method 1
means 14 for engaging and holding by suctioning the respective product
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A device (10) for gripping or grasping products, said products being in particular in the form of packages, in a preferred manner defined by a corresponding envelope, for example made of a plastic film, or a paper sheet, or other, or made of cardboard which wraps or contains one or more articles; in particular said articles being articles of the so-called Tissue field and preferably being made of paper material or other material, such as woven fabric or non-woven fabric, and preferentially being in the form of rolls, in particular rolls of toilet paper, of kitchen paper or for another use, or rolls for the treatment of food products, such as rolls of aluminium foil, plastic film, wax paper film, and the like, i.e., said articles being in the form of packaging, in particular packs, packets or other containers, in particular for napkins, handkerchiefs, small towels for hands and face, hand towels, bed sheets, and other. The device comprises supporting means (12) for means (14) for engaging and holding by suctioning the respective product. Said means (14) for engaging and holding by suctioning the respective product define a first (141) and a second (142) surfaces for engaging and holding by suctioning the same product, in particular angularly spaced apart, preferably angularly spaced by an angle equal to, or substantially equal to, 90°.