Accessory-Coupled Gripper Head for Secure Rotatable Tool Attachment

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripper devices lack versatility and ergonomic design, making them cumbersome and inefficient for various applications, especially when used with accessory elements like rakes or shovels.

Innovation Solution

A gripper device with adjustable length and removably attachable accessory elements, featuring separate first and second coupling structures on the gripper elements for secure, rotatable, and positionable attachment, allowing for easy and quick tool-less coupling and uncoupling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If accessory elements are attached to gripper elements, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveversatilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two separate structures: a first coupling structure for positioning and rotation, and a second coupling structure for locking. This segmentation allows each structure to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gripper element is designed with universal coupling structures that can attach various accessory elements (rake, shovel, broom, etc.). The first and second coupling structures work together to provide a standardized interface that accommodates multiple types of accessories, enhancing versatility without requiring separate mechanisms for each accessory type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate first and second coupling structures are used, then attachment security is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two separate structures: a first coupling structure for positioning and rotation, and a second coupling structure for locking. This segmentation allows each structure to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling structures are designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The first coupling structure automatically positions and orients the accessory element, while the second coupling structure automatically locks it in place, reducing the need for complex adjustment mechanisms and manual intervention during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If accessory elements are removably attached, then adaptability is improved, but connection reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is divided into two separate structures: a first coupling structure for positioning and rotation, and a second coupling structure for locking. This segmentation allows each structure to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall system modular and manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first coupling structure performs preliminary positioning and orientation of the accessory element before the second coupling structure engages the locking mechanism. This preliminary action ensures that the accessory is correctly aligned and secured, maintaining connection reliability even when removably attached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4424474B1Gripper device

Publication Date: 2026.04.15 HUSQVARNA AB

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AI summary

A gripper device (200) includes a shaft (210), a gripper head (230) attached to one side of the shaft (210), and a handle (220) attached to another end of the shaft (210) opposite to the gripper head (230). The handle (220) is configured to actuate the gripper head (230). The gripper head (230) includes two gripper elements (240, 242) that are configured to interact with each other for gripping. At least one of the two gripper elements (240, 242) includes a first coupling structure (248) and a second coupling structure (250) that are configured to removably couple an accessory element (300) to the gripper element (240, 242). The gripper device (200) is characterized in that the first coupling structure (248) is configured to position the accessory element (300) relative to the gripper element (240, 242) in a defined manner. The first coupling structure (248) is further configured to rotate the accessory element (300) relative to the gripper element (240, 242). Further, the second coupling structure (250) is configured to immovably lock the accessory element (300) relative to the gripper element (240, 242).