Dual Rod Gripper With Adjustable Linkage for Variable Jaw Opening
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid-actuated grippers require replaceable jaws for adjusting jaw opening sizes, which adds complexity and is time-consuming, and only allows incremental adjustments, failing to provide intermediate sizes and leading to storage and loss issues for unused jaws.
Innovation Solution
A gripper assembly with a dual rod mechanism where the stroke of the rods is controlled by adjustable sleeves and stop screws, allowing for synchronous opening and closing of jaws without the need for replaceable jaws, enabling precise adjustment of jaw opening sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If replaceable jaws are used to adjust jaw opening sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and time is lost during jaw replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the jaw opening size continuously adjustable through a mechanical linkage system connected to the actuator rod. The linkage includes adjustable links that can be repositioned along the rod to change the jaw opening size, replacing the static replaceable jaw approach with a dynamic, continuously adjustable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single gripper structure that can accommodate multiple jaw opening sizes through the adjustable linkage mechanism. This eliminates the need for multiple sets of replaceable jaws, as the same gripper body can be configured for different opening sizes by adjusting the linkage positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If replaceable jaws are used for different opening sizes, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time occurs during jaw replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic adjustable linkage allows operators to change jaw opening sizes by simply repositioning the adjustable links along the actuator rod, eliminating the time-consuming process of removing and installing different jaw sets. The adjustment can be made quickly in the field without tool removal or complex disassembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If replaceable jaws are used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to storage and management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The universal adjustable linkage mechanism allows a single gripper assembly to perform multiple jaw opening size configurations, eliminating the need to store multiple sets of specialized jaws. The same mechanism handles all size requirements, reducing inventory needs to just one set of adjustable components.
4Device complexity
If conventional single rod mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision is insufficient for synchronous jaw closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the actuation system into multiple rods (first rod and second rod) that can be independently controlled. Each rod has its own adjustable linkage system, allowing precise independent adjustment of each jaw's position and closing timing, achieving synchronous closing through separate control mechanisms rather than relying on a single rigid rod.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper assembly has an extended position and a retracted position. The gripper assembly includes a first jaw and a second jaw that are each coupled for movement of a range of motion. The range of motion of each of the first jaw and the second jaw is independently adjustable from the range of motion of the other of the first jaw and the second jaw.