Gravity Roller Gripping Mechanism for Power-Free Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripping mechanisms are costly and prone to failure due to reliance on pneumatic or electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A gripping mechanism utilizing a roller and frame that grips objects through gravity, eliminating the need for power sources, comprising a holder and a gripping roller with a compressively deformable covering section and a metal core, allowing for secure gripping without electrical or pneumatic assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pneumatic or electrical energy is used to power gripping mechanisms, then gripping force and control are improved, but cost and failure rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pneumatic or electrical power sources from the gripping mechanism, retaining only the essential mechanical components (roller and frame) that perform the gripping function through gravity alone, thereby reducing cost and failure points while maintaining gripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism utilizes gravity acting on the roller to automatically generate gripping force without requiring external power sources, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependencies on pneumatic or electrical infrastructure
2Reliability
If pneumatic or electrical energy is used to power gripping mechanisms, then gripping performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the pneumatic or electrical power sources from the gripping mechanism, retaining only the essential mechanical components (roller and frame) that perform the gripping function through gravity alone, thereby reducing cost and failure points while maintaining gripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components (roller and frame) that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, avoiding the high cost of pneumatic actuators or electrical motors while maintaining functional effectiveness
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 provides a low-cost, reliable gripping mechanism that is not prone to failure, suitable for assembly apparatuses and components, offering effective object handling without the need for power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The gripping mechanism grips an object between an outer surface of the roller and an inner surface of the frame through action of gravity acting on the roller
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping mechanism (3) includes a gripping roller (32) and a holder (31) that houses the gripping roller (32). A gripped portion (42) of a first component (4) is gripped between an outer surface of the gripping roller (32) and an inner surface of the holder (31) through action of gravity acting on the gripping roller (32). Preferably, the gripping roller (32) includes a core (321) that is cylindrical or columnar in shape and a covering section (322) that is an elastic body covering a circumferential surface of the core (321). Preferably, the covering section (322) has a circumferential surface with a friction coefficient greater than a friction coefficient of the circumferential surface of the core (321).