Forging Manipulator Damping Layout for Low-Friction Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulator apparatuses for forging operations face challenges with high friction and noise due to sliding contacts, limited motion coupling, and increased maintenance needs, which complicates the handling and positioning of heavy, large metal products at high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator apparatus with a damping device, comprising a hydraulic damper connected to levers, that absorbs stresses transversely to the gripping axis, reducing friction and noise, and allowing controlled rotation and swiveling, thereby improving positioning and reducing maintenance requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a linear damper is used in sliding contact with fixed abutment elements to absorb shocks, then the manipulator can move on the support plane by rotating around the rear pivot, but high reciprocal friction is generated between the parts causing wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional linear damper sliding contact mechanism with a spherical joint connection system. The spherical joint at the rear pivot point eliminates sliding friction by allowing rotational movement in multiple directions through ball-and-socket geometry, thereby reducing wear and maintenance while maintaining shock absorption capability through the inherent compliance of the spherical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hydraulic damper connected to the spherical joint mechanism to provide controlled damping forces. The hydraulic system absorbs shocks and dampens oscillations during manipulator movement without requiring sliding contact, thereby eliminating friction-related wear while maintaining reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
2Reliability
If a linear damper is used in sliding contact to absorb shocks, then the manipulator can rotate on the support plane, but the movements are particularly noisy due to the sliding contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the noisy sliding contact mechanism with a spherical joint that rotates smoothly on ball-bearing surfaces. This mechanical substitution eliminates the scraping and grinding noises associated with linear damper sliding contact, while the hydraulic damping component provides quiet, controlled shock absorption during manipulator movement.
3Force
If traditional manipulator structures are used with sliding contacts, then the apparatus can support and move heavy products, but high friction is generated increasing wear and maintenance needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces all sliding contact interfaces with spherical joint connections that utilize ball-and-socket geometry. This substitution maintains the ability to support heavy loads through the robust spherical joint structure while eliminating friction-induced wear, thereby significantly reducing maintenance requirements without compromising load bearing capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates hydraulic dampers and potentially hydraulic cushioning elements within the spherical joint mechanism to provide controlled movement and shock absorption. The hydraulic system handles the forces of heavy product manipulation without sliding friction, maintaining load bearing capacity while minimizing wear and maintenance needs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex manipulator structures with multiple sliding contacts are used, then the apparatus can manipulate heavy products at high temperatures, but the structural layout becomes complicated increasing maintenance interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies the complex manipulator structure by replacing multiple sliding contact interfaces with spherical joint connections. This substitution reduces the number of components requiring maintenance while maintaining the ability to operate at high temperatures, as the spherical joint geometry and hydraulic components are well-suited for thermal environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The spherical joint mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides shock absorption, enables multi-axis rotation, supports heavy loads, and accommodates thermal expansion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sliding contact components for each function, thereby simplifying the overall structural layout while maintaining adaptability to high temperature operation.
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 enhances the stability and precision of product positioning during forging, reduces wear and noise, and increases the manipulator's ability to absorb stresses, leading to more efficient and reliable handling of heavy metal products.
Implementation Method 1
a damping device, comprising a linear damper or a hydraulic damper, connected to the first lever and configured to damp the stresses suffered by the gripper
Implementation Method 2
configured to damp the stresses suffered by the gripper in a transverse direction with respect to the gripping axis
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Apparatus to move products to be forged comprising a manipulator (11) provided with a gripper (12) configured to support a product to be forged along a gripping axis (X), and a first front pivot (15), a second front pivot (16), a third rear pivot (17) all lying on a common support plane (π); a front structure (18) connected to the first front pivot (15) and to the second front pivot (16); a rear structure (19) connected to the third rear pivot (17); and a movement slider (20) configured to support the front structure (18) and the rear structure (19).