Grabbing Device Jaw Actuation via Flexible Cable and Brake

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing grabbing devices in the logging industry face issues such as plunger bending, complex linkage mechanisms, inability to stop mid-cycle, and reliance on gravity for operation, leading to operational inefficiencies and reduced gripping force.

Innovation Solution

A grabbing device featuring a flexible length of material with a brake mechanism and pivotally mounted jaws, allowing for remote control operation and independent jaw positioning, reducing the complexity of the mechanism and eliminating the need for gravity-assisted movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a plunger and linkage mechanism are used to move jaws between open and closed positions, then the jaws can be positioned accurately, but the device becomes complex and prone to misalignment and failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw positioning accuracyVSAvoidlinkage mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex plunger and linkage mechanism from the system. Instead of using a mechanical linkage to move the jaws, the invention uses a direct actuation system where a motor directly drives the jaw movement through a simplified gear mechanism, eliminating the intermediate plunger and linkage components that caused complexity and reliability issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical plunger-linkage system with an electric motor-driven gear mechanism. The motor directly actuates the jaw movement through gear trains, substituting the complex mechanical linkage system with an electrically-driven system that is easier to control and less prone to misalignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If gravity is used to move the plunger downwards to operate the mechanism, then the device can operate without additional power, but the device cannot operate reliably in non-vertical orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidoperational orientation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces gravity-dependent mechanical operation with an electric motor-driven system. The motor provides consistent torque and control regardless of orientation, eliminating the need for gravity to drive the plunger and enabling reliable operation in any spatial orientation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating principle from gravity-based (passive) to motor-based (active). By using an electric motor that can deliver controlled torque in any direction, the system maintains consistent performance across different orientations, changing the fundamental energy source from gravitational force to electrical power.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a biasing means is provided to force the plunger down, then the plunger can move reliably, but the gripping force of the jaws is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplunger movement reliabilityVSAvoidgripping force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the biasing means entirely by using a motor-driven system. The motor provides the necessary force to move the jaws without requiring additional biasing mechanisms that would compete with the gripping force, thereby maintaining maximum gripping force while ensuring reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses preliminary positioning of the motor and gear mechanism to ensure reliable jaw movement. The motor can be positioned to deliver optimal torque at the appropriate moment in the jaw closing cycle, eliminating the need for continuous biasing forces that would reduce gripping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If the mechanism must complete a full cycle to reach open or closed positions, then the mechanism can be simple, but the device cannot stop mid-cycle to correct missed loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanism simplicityVSAvoidoperational flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback control in the motor-driven system. The motor can be controlled to stop at specific positions (open or closed) based on feedback from position sensors or operational requirements. This allows the system to halt mid-cycle if needed to correct missed loads, providing operational flexibility without significantly increasing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the system dynamically controllable through motor control. Rather than a fixed mechanical cycle that must complete fully, the motor-driven system can be dynamically adjusted to stop at any point in the jaw movement cycle, providing flexibility in operation while maintaining relatively simple mechanics through direct motor actuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10941022B2Grabbing device

Publication Date: 2021.03.09 HAWKES DARRIN CHARLES

AI summary

A grabbing device having a plurality of jaws which can be moved between an open position and a closed position to enable the device to grasp an object(s). The technology finds particular application in the forestry industry and moving logs.