Quick-Change Gripper Jaw Locking Pin for Faster PET Changeovers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripper systems for PET production lines require manual and time-consuming screw-based adjustments for changing jaws, leading to increased production line preparation time and reduced accuracy due to unstable jaw connections.
Innovation Solution
A quick-change jaw system with a locking pin mechanism that ensures rigid fixation by surrounding the gripper finger with multiple walls and using a spring-loaded locking pin to secure the jaw, allowing easy attachment and detachment without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual screw-based adjustment is used for changing jaws, then the jaw connection is stable, but the production line preparation time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is segmented into modular components (jaw body, mounting plate, locking mechanism) that can be independently assembled and detached. This allows rapid replacement of the entire jaw assembly as a single unit rather than disassembling multiple screws, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and changeover time
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static screw-fixed state to a dynamic quick-release state. The spring-loaded locking pin with release button enables the jaw assembly to be quickly locked into position or released from the gripper finger, maintaining stability during operation while enabling rapid changes when needed
2Strength
If multiple screws are used to secure the jaw, then the jaw is firmly fixed to the gripper, but the complexity of the jaw-gripper connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fastening functions (positioning, locking, and securing) are merged into a single integrated locking mechanism. The locking pin with spring and release button combines the functions of multiple screws into one component, reducing connection complexity while maintaining firm fixation through the engagement of the locking pin with the jaw body
3Reliability
If threaded holes and pins are used for jaw mounting, then the jaw can be securely attached, but the access to grippers becomes inconvenient and manual screwing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through the spring-loaded pin and release button system. When the release button is pressed, the spring automatically drives the locking pin to disengage from the jaw body, enabling tool-free removal without requiring external screwdrivers or manual threading operations, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining secure attachment
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
Facilitates rapid and secure jaw changes, improving production efficiency and accuracy by eliminating the need for manual screwing and ensuring stable connections.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (2.3), which is preferably arranged around the elongated part (2.2) of the locking pin (2), between the head (2.1) of the locking pin (2) and the gripper finger (1) so that one end of the spring element would rest on the head (2.1) of the locking pin (2)... The spring element (2.3) is of such dimensions that when the head (2.1) of the locking pin (2) is under the action of the force, which causes the pin (2) to move longitudinally in the hole (1.1) of the gripper finger (1), while said head (2.1) approaches the gripper finger (1), the spring element (2.3) would rest with one end on the gripper finger (1)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to gripper quick-change jaw system. The system comprises a gripper finger, a locking pin and a jaw. The gripper finger comprises at least one hole, which is intended for a locking pin and in which the locking pin can move along said hole. The locking pin comprises an elongated part, a head for transmitting pressing force to the locking pin, a spring element that is positioned around the elongated part of the locking pin, and a locking head. The part of the jaw for attachment to the gripper finger comprises a cavity that comprises a recess for accommodating the locking head, a recess for movement of the gripper finger in the jaw, and a partition between said two recesses. The said partition has a first recess for moving the elongated part of the locking pin and a second recess for interacting with the locking head, locking the mutual position of the jaw and the finger.