Gravity-Based Roller Gripping Mechanism for Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping mechanisms, such as electric and air suction methods, face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively gripping and releasing objects without damage, particularly in assembly processes where precise positioning and low-cost, durable solutions are required.

Innovation Solution

A gripping method utilizing a roller and frame mechanism that employs gravity and friction to grip objects, with a first stage where the object is gripped between the roller and frame, and a second stage where the roller is lifted by inclined surfaces for release, using a compressible covering section and a holder with a pentagonal opening to support the roller, allowing for easy insertion and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If electric or air suction gripping mechanisms are used, then gripping force and control precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping forceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electric motors or air suction systems with a simple gravity-based mechanical system. A roller component utilizes gravitational force to press against the object being gripped, eliminating the need for powered actuators while maintaining effective gripping force. This substitution dramatically reduces device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping mechanism uses the object's own weight and geometry to enable automatic gripping and release. As the object moves along the inclined surface, gravity naturally causes the roller to press against it for gripping, and continued movement automatically releases the grip without requiring additional control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Force

If electric or air suction gripping mechanisms are used, then gripping force and control precision are improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping forceVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components such as rollers made from basic materials like rubber or plastic. These components are designed to be cost-effective and can be easily replaced if needed, avoiding the high cost of electric motors, sensors, and control electronics required by conventional gripping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing expensive powered systems with passive gravity-based mechanics, the patent dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining functional effectiveness for the intended application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If gripping force is increased to prevent object damage, then gripping reliability is improved, but risk of object damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping reliabilityVSAvoidobject damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The roller is covered with a compliant material such as rubber or plastic that can deform elastically. This flexible covering distributes the gripping force over a larger area and conforms to the object's surface, preventing concentration of stress that could cause damage while maintaining sufficient gripping force for reliable handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The compliant roller material acts as a cushioning element that absorbs excess force and prevents direct transmission of high stresses to the object being gripped, protecting it from damage while maintaining gripping reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This solution provides a low-cost, durable gripping mechanism that requires no motive power, enabling efficient gripping and release of objects with a high gripping force, suitable for assembly processes, and allows for precise positioning without damaging the components.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion of the object is gripped between an outer surface of the roller and an inner surface of the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the roller is lifted by a second portion of the object before the gripping of the object is released

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11186449B2Gripping method and component

Publication Date: 2021.11.30 KYOCERA DOCUMENT SOLUTIONS INC

AI summary

A gripping method is for gripping an object using a gripping mechanism including a roller and a frame that houses the roller. The gripping method includes a first stage and a second stage. In the first stage, the gripping mechanism moves relative to the object such that a first portion of the object is gripped between an outer surface of the roller and an inner surface of the frame. In the second stage, the gripping mechanism further moves relative to the object such that the roller is lifted by a second portion of the object before gripping of the object is released.