Gripper With Lateral Adjustment And Extendable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers are inefficient in picking up objects from shelves, particularly boxes or crates, due to limitations in adjusting clamping elements and support mechanisms, which hinder precise gripping and lifting, especially when objects are closely packed or positioned on edges.
Innovation Solution
A gripper system with lateral adjustment elements and a support device that allows for adjustable clamping element distance and extension in the depth direction, utilizing a scissor mechanism for efficient object clamping and lifting, and a link chain support for stable vertical transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the clamping elements are made thin in the width direction to facilitate removal from closely packed objects, then the ease of operation is improved, but the gripping force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping function is divided into two separate components: thin clamping elements for initial gripping and removal, and an extendable support device for load-bearing transport. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed to be extendable, transforming from a retracted state during gripping/removal to an extended state during transport. This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt its structure to different operational phases, providing thin clamping elements when needed while delivering full support during transport.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the clamping elements are arranged at the outer ends of the adjustment element to improve access to edge objects, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral adjustment element serves multiple functions: it positions the clamping elements for gripping objects of various widths, enables access to edge objects when arranged at outer ends, and provides the structural framework for mounting both clamping elements and the support device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a support device is extended to push underneath objects for stable transport, then the stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is integrated with the lateral adjustment element, sharing its structural framework and mounting mechanisms. This merging allows the support device to benefit from the adjustment element's positioning capabilities while providing additional transport stability, reducing overall system complexity compared to a completely separate support mechanism.
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
Enables effective picking up of objects from shelves, including those closely packed or on edges, by optimizing clamping and support mechanisms for precise gripping and stable lifting, reducing the risk of slipping and improving handling in tight spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a lateral adjustment element (2), on which a first clamping element (11) and a second clamping element (12) are arranged, wherein with the lateral adjustment element (2) a relative distance (3), taken in a width direction (4) between the clamping elements (11, 12), can be adjusted
Implementation Method 2
a support device (5) that can be extended in a depth direction (8), wherein the clamped object can then be lifted and the support device (5) pushed underneath as it is extended
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a system (60) with a gripper (1) for picking up an object (50), the gripper (1) comprising a lateral adjustment element (2), a first and a second clamping element (11, 12), and a support device (5), wherein the first and the second clamping elements (11, 12) are arranged on the lateral adjustment element (2) such that their relative distance (3) in a lateral direction (4) is adjustable with the lateral adjustment element (2), and wherein the support device (5) is extendable relative to the clamping elements (11, 12) in a depth direction (8) perpendicular to the lateral direction (4), wherein the system (60) is configured to reduce the relative distance (3) between the first and second clamping elements (11, 12) with the lateral adjustment element (2) for clamping the object (50), and to vertically support the object (50). to extend the support device (5) and thus position it below the object (50).