Extensible Gripping Device Pinion-Rack Transmission
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for handling heavy, annular or cylindrical cutting tools in slitter lines face challenges with precise and rapid movement due to tool weight, leading to deformation, imprecise positioning, and increased setup times, resulting in potential tool damage and production downtime.
Innovation Solution
An extensible gripping device with a pinion-rack transmission system and a rigid structure, comprising interconnected cradle elements and motor units, allows for precise and rapid movement of gripping members along a gripping direction, counteracting tool inertia and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional gripping devices are used to handle heavy cutting tools, then the gripping function is achieved, but the device structure deforms and positioning precision deteriorates due to high tool weight and inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into modular components: a stationary base structure, a movable carriage assembly, and separate gripping members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base provides structural rigidity while the movable carriage handles the dynamic gripping operations, preventing overall structure deformation under heavy tool weights
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the gripping mechanism by implementing a carriage that travels along vertical rails on the base structure. This dimensional change allows the gripping force to be applied from above rather than from the side, distributing loads more effectively and preventing horizontal deformation of the device structure
2Force
If traditional gripping devices handle heavy tools, then gripping capability is maintained, but movement speed decreases due to high inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves as a counterweight platform that remains stationary while the carriage moves. The heavy base provides a stable reference frame that counteracts the inertia of moving heavy tools, enabling faster acceleration and deceleration without compromising gripping force capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements dynamic movement through the carriage system that can rapidly traverse along the vertical rails and position gripping members. This dynamic architecture separates the static heavy base from the dynamic movable components, allowing high-speed tool handling while maintaining sufficient gripping force through the movable carriage mechanism
3Length of moving object
If gripping members are positioned cantilevered to reach tools, then gripping reach is improved, but structural deformation increases under tool weight
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical rails act as an intermediary structural element between the stationary base and the movable gripping members. These rails provide guided support that allows the gripping members to extend their reach vertically while preventing lateral deformation, mediating between the need for long reach and structural stability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the gripping mechanism from horizontal cantilever extension to vertical extension along rails. This parameter change allows the gripping members to achieve extended reach in the vertical dimension while the base structure maintains stability in the horizontal dimension, avoiding deformation
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
The solution enables precise and rapid handling of heavy cutting tools, reducing the risk of damage and optimizing setup times by ensuring accurate positioning and increased movement speed, thus enhancing production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a second transmission assembly configured to kinematically connect the side plates with the first cradle element and the first cradle element with the second cradle element through respective pinion-rack type connections
Implementation Method 2
the first transmission assembly comprises a recirculating screw which protrudes from the motion output of the motor unit, along a direction parallel to the gripping direction and engages a corresponding bush connected to both side plates
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An extensible gripping device (1) is configured for gripping a tool (6) and comprises gripping members (5), an extendable structure configured to support and move the gripping members (5) along a gripping direction (7), fastening plates (8) which delimit the extensible gripping device (1) from opposite sides and are mutually connected via a cross element (9), wherein the extendable structure comprises two lateral plates (11), a first element cradle (12) and a second cradle element (13) which supports the gripping members (5), a motor unit (25) operatively connected to the lateral plates (11) via a first transmission unit and a second transmission unit configured to kinematically connect the lateral plates (11) with the first cradle element (12) and the first cradle element (12) with the second cradle element (13), so that the movement of the lateral plates (11) determines a movement contemporary of the first cradle element (12) and of the second cradle element (13) along the gripping direction (7).