Flush Ends Container Gripper Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior container gripper structures face interference issues due to protruding mounting hooks and stability problems with larger gripper bodies that bend and twist, leading to reduced production life and incorrect positioning during container processing.
Innovation Solution
A container gripper structure featuring a molded polymeric base and body with flush mating shoulder structures and a quick release locking mechanism, providing enhanced stability and connection strength, especially for elongated gripper bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If protruding mounting hooks are used to attach the gripper body to the base plate, then the attachment is simple to manufacture, but the hooks interfere with other machine structures causing gripper failure
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful protruding hooks are extracted and replaced with a flush mounting surface. The base plate and gripper body both have flattened ends that mate together without protruding elements, eliminating the interference problem while maintaining attachment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism transitions from a protruding-dimensional approach (hooks extending outward) to a flush-dimensional approach (mating surfaces at the same plane). This dimensional change eliminates interference with other machine structures while maintaining secure attachment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger and more lengthy gripper bodies are used to handle bigger containers, then the gripper capacity increases, but the bodies bend and twist reducing production life
Solution Approach 1:
The flush mating shoulder structures merge the base plate and gripper body into a unified, rigid assembly. The interlocking flush surfaces create a stable connection that prevents bending and twisting of elongated gripper bodies, maintaining structural integrity for handling larger containers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elongated gripper bodies are used for larger containers, then the gripper can handle bigger products, but lateral forces cause deformation and incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The flush mating shoulder structures provide preliminary structural reinforcement before lateral forces are applied during container handling. This pre-established rigid connection prevents deformation and maintains positioning accuracy even when handling larger containers that exert greater lateral forces.
Data Source
AI summary
A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to the links of a chain conveyor, wherein the device has a container gripper body mounted on the base, wherein the base is provided with a hook structure at each of its ends, wherein the gripper body ends have recessed floor portions, wherein locking tabs on the hook structures are in engagement with the upper surface of the recessed floor portion, and wherein the longitudinal outer end surface of the hook structures lie substantially flush with the faces of the body ends.