Gripper Jaw Replacement via Pivot Boss Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripper devices require complex and time-consuming processes for jaw replacement due to the need to disassemble multiple components within a tight space, making it difficult to accommodate work pieces of varying shapes and sizes.
Innovation Solution
The gripper assembly features a support with pivot bosses that securely hold the jaws, allowing for direct access and easy replacement by sliding them off the cam pins and rollers, reducing the number of components to be removed and providing a more straightforward mechanism for jaw interchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gripper construction with multiple fasteners and pivot pins is used, then the gripper can securely hold jaws, but the jaw replacement process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate functional elements: pivot bosses for jaw pivoting, cam pins for actuation, and rollers for guidance. This segmentation allows the jaw to be independently removed from the pivot boss without affecting other components, simplifying replacement while maintaining secure holding during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot pin and fasteners are extracted from the jaw assembly, allowing the jaw to be removed by simply sliding it off the cam pin and rollers. This extraction eliminates the need to disassemble multiple components for jaw replacement, directly reducing replacement complexity while the pivot boss remains to ensure secure jaw holding during operation
2Reliability
If multiple fasteners and pivot pins are used to secure jaws, then jaw security is improved, but the time required for jaw replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is pre-positioned on the pivot boss and cam pin during assembly, so that during replacement only the cam pin and rollers need to be removed. This preliminary positioning allows for rapid jaw replacement without requiring disassembly of multiple fasteners, reducing replacement time while maintaining jaw security through the pivot boss connection
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners are extracted from the jaw replacement process, allowing the jaw to be quickly removed by sliding it off the cam pin. This extraction significantly reduces jaw replacement time while the pivot boss remains in place to ensure jaw security during operation
3Volume of moving object
If the gripper uses a tight space configuration with sidewalls, then compactness is achieved, but component access for jaw replacement becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot boss extends in a direction perpendicular to the cam pin, allowing the jaw to be accessed from a different dimensional perspective. This dimensional arrangement enables jaw replacement without requiring disassembly of the sidewalls, maintaining gripper compactness while improving operational accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The cam pin and rollers serve as intermediaries between the jaw and the support structure. By designing the jaw to slide off these intermediaries rather than requiring direct access to pivot pins or fasteners, the system maintains compactness while enabling easy jaw replacement through a simplified removal mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper assembly including at least one gripper jaw and an actuator head linked with the at least one gripper jaw. An actuator selectively operates to move the actuator head between a plurality of positions. A support is fixed relative to the actuator and includes a guide slot that guides the actuator head. One of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a channel and the other of the actuator head or the guide slot includes a guide member extending there from at least partially into the channel.