Gripping Device External Magnetic Sensor Internal Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping devices face challenges in assembling a magnetic field generator inside the device housing in a way that is easy, safe, and minimizes installation space and weight, while allowing for stroke-dependent triggering of a switching signal using an external magnetic field sensor.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a measuring device groove in the guide body to support a magnetic field sensor and a support element on the carriage that holds a magnetic field generator, allowing for internal measurement of carriage movement using an external magnetic field sensor, with minimal impact from gear train play or flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a magnetic field generator is mounted inside the device housing, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generator is integrated into the gripping device housing, combining the measurement function with the existing structural components. This merging approach improves measurement precision by placing the sensor internally while avoiding the need for separate external mounting systems that would increase device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field generator serves multiple functions: it acts as both a positional reference for the magnetic field sensor and an integral part of the gripping device structure. This multi-functionality allows precise measurement without adding dedicated separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Volume of moving object

If a magnetic field generator is mounted inside the device housing, then the installation space is reduced, but the ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generator is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the housing. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while achieving compact internal mounting, reducing installation space without significantly complicating the overall manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A mounting structure or intermediary component is used to facilitate the integration of the magnetic field generator into the housing. This intermediary element simplifies the assembly process by providing a standardized interface, making the internal mounting easier to manufacture despite the reduced installation space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Weight of stationary object

If a magnetic field generator is mounted inside the device housing, then the weight is reduced, but the reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveweightVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic field generator is nested within the existing housing structure, utilizing available internal space rather than adding external components. This nesting approach reduces overall weight while maintaining reliability by protecting the magnetic field generator within the established housing environment, which provides mechanical protection and stable mounting conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is designed to provide protective cushioning for the magnetic field generator before any potential damage can occur. This beforehand protection ensures that the internally mounted generator maintains high reliability despite the weight reduction achieved through internal placement, as the housing serves as a pre-established protective barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 precise measurement of carriage or gripping element movement with reduced sensitivity to gear train play, supporting easy assembly and low weight, and allowing for versatile sensor configurations and housing designs.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator (161) attached to the slide (31, 32)... a commercially available magnetic field sensor (165)... measure the movement of the carriages or gripping elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3360653B1Gripping device with external magnetic field sensor
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 ZIMMER GUNTHER
  • EP3360653B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3360653B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3360653B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a gripping device with at least two gripping elements (1, 2) arranged to move towards or away from each other, which are mounted on slides (31, 32) in the housing (10) of the gripping device or are articulated by slides via a gear mechanism. A support device (17) is arranged on the housing of the gripping device, in or on which a magnetic field sensor (165) is held fixedly or adjustably. A support element is arranged on at least one slide (31, 32) within the housing, which supports a magnetic field generator (161). The present invention develops a gripping device in which a support device for an arrangement of a magnetic field generator – for the stroke-dependent triggering of a switching signal in a commercially available magnetic field sensor mounted externally on the housing – is designed and mounted inside the device housing in such a way that it can be easily and securely mounted with minimal installation space and low weight.