Dual-System Gripper Sensor Redundancy for Safe Object Pickup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing two-system grippers lack operational safety and reliability, particularly in monitoring the gripping process and ensuring redundancy in case of sensor failure.

Innovation Solution

A dual-system gripper equipped with at least two gripping object sensors, each measuring different physical quantities, to verify the gripping position and ensure safe pickup, with redundant sensors allowing continued operation even if one fails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two gripping devices of different physical operating principles are arranged in the same housing system, then operational safety and reliability are improved through redundancy, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is segmented into two independent gripping devices (magnetic gripping device and suction gripping device) that can operate independently within the same housing system. Each gripping device has its own gripping object sensor, allowing them to function as separate redundant units while sharing a common housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing system is designed to accommodate multiple types of gripping devices with different operating principles (magnetic and suction) within a single universal structure. The housing system can support alternative or simultaneous operation of different gripping devices, providing multi-functionality and redundancy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If gripping object sensors are arranged on or in the housing system to monitor gripping position, then gripping reliability is improved through continuous monitoring, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping object sensors are integrated into the housing system structure rather than being separate external components. The sensors are arranged on or in the housing system, combining the monitoring function with the structural housing to reduce overall complexity while maintaining reliable gripping position detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the gripping devices, and integrates the gripping object sensors for monitoring. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate dedicated sensor housings or mounting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances operational safety and reliability by ensuring secure gripping and continuous operation through redundant sensor monitoring, allowing simultaneous or alternative use of multiple gripping devices.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic gripper (91) is arranged as the first gripping device (91)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a suction gripper (111) is arranged as the second gripping device (111)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP4382267B1Two-system gripper with increased operating safety
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 ZIMMER GUNTHER
  • EP4382267B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4382267B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4382267B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a dual-system gripper with two gripping devices of different physical operating principles arranged together in a housing system for redundant or complementary use in the same gripping area. At least two gripping object sensors for different physical quantities are arranged on or in the housing system. The present invention increases the operational safety and reliability of a dual-system gripper.