Gripper Head with Tilting Suction and Movable Support for Non-Continuous Surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper technologies, such as suction and roll-on grippers, are ineffective for handling cargo containers with non-continuous top surfaces like trays or drawers, and require counter-stops or specific contact pressure, limiting their versatility and efficiency in gripping and transporting general cargo containers.
Innovation Solution
A gripper head with a combination of a suction nozzle and a longitudinally movable support element, arranged at right angles, and a pivoting device that tilts the container to allow the support element to drive underneath, along with additional suction nozzles for enhanced grip and load security, enabling the gripper head to handle various container shapes and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If suction grippers are used for general cargo containers, then they can hold containers with continuous top surfaces, but they cannot handle trays or drawers with non-continuous top surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper head is divided into multiple functional components: a suction device for gripping the container body and separate support elements that can be positioned underneath the container. This segmentation allows the suction device to handle the main body while support elements provide additional stability for various container types including trays and drawers with non-continuous surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The support elements are designed to be longitudinally movable relative to the gripper head, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position. This mobility enables the support elements to be extended or retracted as needed to accommodate different container types and provide appropriate support underneath, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliable grip.
2Adaptability or versatility
If roll-on grippers are used to handle various container types, then they can grip under piece goods, but they require a counter-stop and specific contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the suction gripping function with the support element function into a single integrated gripper head structure. The support elements are built-in components that can move longitudinally, eliminating the need for separate counter-stop mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to handle various container types.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper head is designed with multi-functional capabilities: the suction device provides primary gripping force while the movable support elements provide secondary support and positioning. This universal design allows the same gripper head to handle different container types (containers, trays, drawers) without requiring additional specialized components or mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the suction nozzle is arranged perpendicular to the support element, then the support element can drive under the container, but the suction grip may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed with longitudinal mobility relative to the gripper head, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position during the gripping operation. This dynamic adjustment enables the support element to be positioned underneath the container without compromising the suction grip, as the element can move into place and then remain stationary to provide support while the suction device maintains its gripping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device activates and establishes the primary grip on the container before the support element is fully extended or positioned underneath. This preliminary action ensures that the container is already securely held by suction, providing a stable base that allows the support element to be inserted without risking loss of grip, thereby maintaining both ease of operation and grip reliability.
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 gripper head effectively secures and transports cargo containers by creating a free space for the support element to engage, allowing for efficient picking from shelves or stacks and secure transport, while maintaining negative pressure for load stability.
Implementation Method 1
suction nozzles (3) which subject a container side wall (4) to negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
pivoting device (15) which tilts the container (5) from its loading position into a gripping position
Implementation Method 3
The support element can be designed like a fork... lying on the support element, the general cargo container is moved to its destination
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6A~6C
AI summary
The invention concerns a method for removing parcelled goods packages (5) from a stack, shelf space or the like, wherein: in a first method step, the package (5) is sucked up by a suction device and tilted out of its upright position; in a second method step, one or a plurality of mechanical carrier elements (11) moves/move underneath the package (5); in a third method step, the carrier element or elements (11) moves/move into a horizontal position in which the package (5) also lies horizontally on the carrier element(s) (11); in a fourth method step, the package (5) is brought to its destination; and in a fifth method step, at the destination, the suction device is deactivated and the carrier element/elements is/are moved out from under the package.