Flexible Clamping Flange Gripper for Precise Bottle Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers for transporting bottles in industrial production lines lack flexibility, precision, and secure holding, especially when dealing with bottles of different sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with interconnected jaws featuring a sliding connection and flexible clamping flanges, operated by resilient return means, allowing for secure and precise gripping of various bottle shapes without actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grippers comprise two jaws made of deformable materials interconnected by a sliding connection to form a flexible clamp, then bottles of different sizes and shapes can be grasped, but bottles cannot be positioned precisely and sufficient hold is not provided for filling and capping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into two distinct functional parts: rigid jaws for precise positioning and deformable clamping flanges for adapting to different bottle shapes. This segmentation allows each part to specialize in its optimal function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the gripping device have different mechanical properties: the jaws are rigid to provide precise positioning, while the clamping flanges are deformable to adapt to various bottle contours. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between precision and versatility.
2Productivity
If grippers comprise at least two rigid jaws rotatably mounted on a base and controlled by a pneumatic or electric actuator, then bottles can be grasped quickly, but the device is particularly expensive and does not provide sufficient flexibility for bottles of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping flanges are designed to be dynamically deformable rather than statically rigid, allowing them to adapt their shape to different bottle contours while maintaining quick gripping action through the sliding mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the gripping surfaces are changed by using deformable materials for the clamping flanges, allowing the gripping device to adjust its physical parameters (shape, compliance) to match different bottle geometries.
3Productivity
If grippers comprise two jaws hingedly connected around a pantograph-type structure and controlled by a pneumatic or electric actuator, then bottles can be grasped quickly, but the device is particularly expensive and does not provide sufficient flexibility for bottles of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The complex pantograph-type hinged structure and expensive pneumatic/electric actuators are extracted and replaced with a simple sliding connection mechanism, dramatically reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining quick gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding connection mechanism allows the jaws to automatically adjust and self-align with bottles through simple translational motion, eliminating the need for complex control systems and actuators.
4Manufacturing precision
If a gripping device uses an actuator to hinge the clamping flange, then precise control is achieved, but the device becomes more complex and slower in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping flange uses resilient return means that automatically return it to its initial position without requiring an actuator, making the system self-servicing and eliminating complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical hinging system controlled by actuators is replaced with a sliding connection system using resilient return means, substituting a simpler mechanical approach for a more complex controlled mechanical system.
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 device provides flexible, fast, and precise gripping of bottles of different sizes and shapes, ensuring secure holding throughout transportation.
Implementation Method 1
the rod is returned to its extended position by resilient return means. In particular, the resilient return means comprise a first spring coupled to the first end link of the first link chain and to the base, and a second spring coupled to the first end link of the second link chain and to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A device for gripping a receptacle includes a first jaw and a second jaw interconnected by a sliding connection. At least one out of the first jaw and second jaw includes at least one flexible clamping flange which has a base through which there extends a rod which is mounted so that it can move in translation in the base along a longitudinal axis of the rod between an extended position and a retracted position. One end of the rod is coupled to the base by means of a first link chain and a second link chain extending on either side of the longitudinal axis of the rod, and the first link chain and the second link chain have at least one first end link and one second end link coupled to the base and to the end of the rod, respectively, along hinge axes.