Flexible Clamping Jaw Assembly for Fragile and Dense Objects

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamps with rigid transmission mechanisms cause damage to brittle objects and airbag clamps are complex to manufacture and have a short service life, making them unsuitable for picking up small-sized and densely arranged objects.

Innovation Solution

A clamp with a housing, driving mechanism, and clamping jaw assembly that allows the clamping jaws to switch between deformation states, using flexible materials to accommodate objects of varying sizes and prevent damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If rigid transmission mechanisms are used to drive clamping jaws, then the clamping structure is simple and strong, but the clamping jaws cannot adapt to objects of different sizes and may damage brittle objects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping structure strengthVSAvoidadaptability to different object sizes

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaw assembly is designed with flexible deformation capability, transitioning from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change shape. The assembly includes multiple clamping jaws connected through flexible joints that allow the structure to deform and adapt to objects of varying sizes while maintaining adequate clamping force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping jaw assembly changes its geometric parameters (shape, size, configuration) through controlled deformation to match different object dimensions. This parameter change enables the same clamping structure to handle objects ranging from small densely arranged items to larger objects without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If airbag clamps are used to pick up small-sized and densely arranged objects, then the clamping force can be adjusted, but the manufacturing process is complex and service life is short

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping force adjustment capabilityVSAvoidforming process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping jaw assembly is divided into multiple independent or semi-independent clamping jaw units that can be manufactured separately using standard machining processes. Each jaw unit can be produced with high precision and durability, then assembled into the complete assembly, avoiding the need for complex integrated airbag forming processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the pneumatic airbag system with a mechanical flexible linkage system. Instead of using compressed air to deform a single complex airbag structure, the invention uses mechanical joints and flexible connections between rigid jaw segments, enabling force adjustment through mechanical means while simplifying manufacturing and extending service life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If rigid clamping jaws with fixed distances are used, then the structure is simple, but damage to non-hard objects such as eggs, glass bottles, and fruits is easily caused

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping structure simplicityVSAvoiddamage to brittle objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible connection elements and joints in the clamping jaw assembly act as built-in cushioning mechanisms that absorb excess force before it reaches the clamped object. These flexible components deform under load, preventing rigid force transmission that would damage brittle objects like eggs, glass bottles, or fruits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 clamp can safely pick up objects of different sizes and densities without causing damage, offering improved operational efficiency and a longer service life compared to traditional clamps.

Implementation Method 1

The clamping jaw assembly may include at least two clamping jaws. The driving mechanism may be configured to drive the clamping jaw assembly to move, such that the clamping jaw assembly switches between a first deformation state and a second deformation state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12491644B2Clamps

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 BEIJING SOFT ROBOT TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a clamp (100). The clamp (100) may include a housing (110), a driving mechanism (120), and a clamping jaw assembly (150). The driving mechanism may be disposed in the housing (110). The clamping jaw assembly (150) may be partially disposed outside the housing (110). The clamping jaw assembly (150) may include at least two clamping jaws. The driving mechanism (120) may drive the clamping jaw assembly (150) to move, such that the clamping jaw assembly (150) switches between a first deformation state and a second deformation state. The at least two clamping jaws may be gathered with each other in the first deformation state, and the at least two clamping jaws may be separated from each other in the second deformation state. The clamp may pick up objects within a certain size range, and may also pick up small-sized and densely arranged objects.