Flexure Gripping Device Eliminates Particle Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pharmaceutical gripping devices have moving parts that generate fine particles, making them difficult to clean and sterilize, and require frequent maintenance and replacement, as they are designed to handle a single object at a time.
Innovation Solution
A flexure gripping device with a fixed linkage and input linkage, utilizing flexures to couple linkages together without moving or sliding parts, allowing for a smooth and efficient transfer of force and easy cleaning, and featuring a design that can be fabricated from a single piece of material with minimal maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gripping devices with moving parts are used, then gripping function is achieved, but particle generation increases and cleaning becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical moving parts with a flexure-based mechanical system. The flexure linkage mechanism uses elastic deformation of flexible elements to achieve gripping motion without sliding contacts or separate moving components, thereby eliminating particle generation while maintaining gripping functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the gripping function and the linkage mechanism into a single integrated flexure linkage structure. The flexible elements simultaneously serve as both structural supports and actuating mechanisms, eliminating the need for separate moving parts and reducing particle generation sources
2Reliability
If conventional gripping devices with multiple moving parts are used, then gripping capability is achieved, but cleaning and sterilization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex multi-component mechanical systems with a simplified flexure linkage system. The flexible elements provide both structural integrity and actuating motion through elastic deformation, creating a smoother surface with fewer crevices and no separate moving parts that would trap contaminants, thereby facilitating easier cleaning and sterilization
3Measurement precision
If single-object handling design is used, then gripping precision is achieved, but replacement frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the flexure linkage mechanism with universal applicability through its modular flexible element configuration. The same basic flexure linkage structure can accommodate different object sizes and shapes by adjusting the geometry and dimensions of the flexible elements, eliminating the need for frequent replacements while maintaining gripping precision across various applications
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 flexure gripping device prevents particle generation, simplifies cleaning and maintenance, and can handle multiple objects without the need for frequent replacement, ensuring reduced contamination risks and improved operational efficiency in clean environments.
Implementation Method 1
Each respective flexure in the plurality of flexures is configured to couple two or more linkages together
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device comprises multiple flexures configured to couple predetermined linkages, a fixed linkage, and an input linkage disposed partially above the fixed linkage. The input linkage comprises a first end portion and a second end portion. Each end portion comprises an output linkage comprising a first end portion and a second end portion, a jaw disposed on the first end portion of the output linkage, and an initial damper linkage disposed below the fixed linkage. The initial damper linkage is coupled with the fixed linkage, the corresponding end portion of the input linkage, and the second end portion of the output linkage. At least one auxiliary damper linkage is disposed below the fixed linkage and adjacent to the initial damper linkage. The at least one auxiliary damper linkage is coupled to the fixed linkage and the second end portion of the output linkage.