Elastomeric Grasping Segments for Uniform Load Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift truck systems are limited in handling and transporting packages of varying sizes and shapes due to non-uniform pressure distribution, which can lead to slipping or crushing, especially when dealing with large or irregularly shaped items like household appliances.
Innovation Solution
A clamping device with two vertical opposed plates coupled to sliding elements, featuring grasping jaws with preloaded elastic segments that form a concave surface, ensuring uniform pressure distribution and improved retention through compound horizontal and vertical pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid plates are used to grasp packages, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the pressure distribution is non-uniform causing slipping or crushing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid plates with flexible grasping segments made of elastomeric material that can conform to the contours of packages. These segments are embedded in or coupled to the rigid plates, combining the structural strength of rigid materials with the adaptive grasping capability of flexible materials, thereby achieving uniform pressure distribution without crushing or slipping.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the grasping surface from rigid to flexible by using elastomeric material with specific durometer values (40-90 Shore A). This parameter change allows the grasping surface to deform and adapt to different package shapes and sizes, ensuring reliable grasping across various load configurations.
2Reliability
If uniform pressure distribution is achieved, then package retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grasping surface is divided into multiple discrete elastomeric segments rather than using a single continuous flexible surface. Each segment can independently deform and conform to the package, while the segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and assembly. The segments are positioned at strategic locations to ensure comprehensive contact and uniform pressure distribution.
3Reliability
If the grasping surface conforms to package contours, then grasping effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically deformable elastomeric segments that automatically adapt their shape to match package contours during the grasping process. This dynamic adaptation eliminates the need for pre-formed custom shapes for different package types, as the material naturally conforms to the load being handled, significantly reducing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 the safe and efficient handling of packages of different sizes and shapes by preventing slipping and crushing, while maintaining effective grasping and retention, even for prismatic forms and multiple items.
Implementation Method 1
said grasping segments are preloaded so that they are elastically deformed and form a concave surface with respect to said loads
Implementation Method 2
composed of two vertical opposed plates coupled to sliding elements designed to slide on horizontal guides
Data Source
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AI summary
A collecting and clamping device that allows to hoist and move one or more loads, composed of two vertical opposed plates (2,3) coupled to sliding elements (4,5) designed to slide on horizontal guides (6,7), said plates (3,4) each comprising a grasping jaw (8,9) shaped so as to include three or more pressure elements (10,11) machined in a monolithic body and each being designed to exert pressure on a grasping segment (12,13) made of elastic material and designed to be preloaded so that it is placed on a concave surface with respect to said loads.