Remote Gripper Clasp Locking Button to Prevent Mutual Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing remote-controlled gripper slings face issues with the button for opening the clasp and the unlocking button potentially blocking each other, leading to operational difficulties, especially when the button is hard to access.

Innovation Solution

A single button integrates both locking and drive functions, featuring a locking area that engages with the clasp in the closed position to prevent blocking, and includes a traction device for alternative actuation, allowing the clasp to be locked and opened securely without a separate unlocking button.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a button for opening the clasp and an opposite unlocking button are provided, then the clasp can be opened reliably, but the button and unlocking button can block each other causing operational failure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclasp opening reliabilityVSAvoidbutton operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the blocking function from a separate component and integrates it into the button itself. The button is provided with a blocking area that can engage with the clasp to prevent mutual blocking between the opening button and unlocking button, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable opening and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the button is accessible from only one side of the stop means, then the device structure is simplified for one-armed operation, but the button may be difficult to access due to random positioning during operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebutton accessibility structureVSAvoidbutton accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention provides the button with multi-functionality by equipping it with both a blocking area for preventing mutual blocking and a gear section for movement transmission. Additionally, the blocking area serves dual purposes: it locks the clasp in the closed position and prevents the button from being blocked by the unlocking button, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the blocking area and gear section are integrated on a single button component, then mutual blocking is prevented, but the button mechanism becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of mutual blockingVSAvoidbutton component structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the blocking function and the movement transmission function into a single button component. The blocking area and gear section are both provided on the button, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while ensuring reliable prevention of mutual blocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3500764B1Stop means for actuating by means of a remote-controlled gripper in particular of a remote-controlled vehicle using a single arm
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 RUD KETTENFABRIK RIEGER & DIETZ GMBH & CO
  • EP3500764B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3500764B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a stop means (1) for actuating by means of a remote-controlled gripping arm in particular of a remote-controlled vehicle using a single arm. The stop means (1) has a clasp (4) which can be moved from a closed position (5) into an open position (82), a stop element (2) which is closed in the closed position (5) of the clasp (4) and is open in the open position (82), and a pushbutton (18) for opening the clasp (4). The pushbutton (18) has a transmission section (68) which couples the clasp (4) to the pushbutton (18) so as to transmit a movement. The aim of the invention is to improve reliability during operation even under unfavorable conditions, for example in heavily polluted surroundings on the ocean floor. According to the invention, this is achieved in that the pushbutton (18) is provided with a blocking region (56) which is in engagement with the clasp (4) in the closed position (5) and locks the clasp (4) in the closed position (5).