Gripper With Movable Support Bar For Multi-Row Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers for handling piece goods in packing and palletizing technology require complex mechanics and have large dimensions and high weight, making them inefficient for receiving piece goods from multiple parallel rows.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design featuring first and second gripper bars with a support bar that moves linearly between them, using flexible contact areas and springs to securely clamp piece goods from multiple parallel rows with minimal force, eliminating the need for complex kinematics and allowing for compact, lightweight construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex kinematic mechanisms are used to receive piece goods from multiple parallel rows, then the gripper can handle multiple rows, but the device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independent gripping elements (first gripping element and second gripping element) that can operate autonomously. Each gripping element has its own gripping jaw and support structure, allowing them to independently receive piece goods from different parallel rows without requiring complex coordinated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bar is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position as piece goods are received from different rows. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the gripper to adapt to varying piece good positions and dimensions without requiring complex predetermined kinematic mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex kinematic mechanisms are used to receive piece goods from multiple parallel rows, then the gripper can handle multiple rows, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the gripper into independent gripping elements, each element can be minimized in weight while maintaining its gripping function. The support bar connects these elements without requiring heavy reinforcement, resulting in an overall lightweight structure that can still handle multiple rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support bar replaces heavy fixed structural elements with a lighter, dynamically adjustable component. This dynamic design allows the support bar to move with the piece goods during the receiving process, eliminating the need for heavy-duty fixed mounting structures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gripping elements are used to receive piece goods from multiple parallel rows, then the gripper can handle multiple rows, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second gripping elements are merged through the common movable support bar, creating a unified structure that handles multiple rows simultaneously. This merging approach reduces overall complexity compared to having completely separate gripping mechanisms for each row.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable support bar serves multiple functions: it supports both the first and second gripping elements, allows dynamic adjustment for different row configurations, and enables the gripper to receive piece goods from multiple parallel rows. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
4Device complexity
If conventional gripping elements are used, then the gripper structure is simple, but piece goods may release unintentionally during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The movable support bar dynamically adjusts its position during the gripping and handling process, maintaining optimal contact with the piece goods. This dynamic adjustment ensures continuous secure clamping without requiring complex locking mechanisms or multiple gripping points.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bar acts as an intermediary element between the first and second gripping elements, providing additional support and contact points for the piece goods. This intermediary structure enhances the reliability of clamping by distributing the holding force across multiple contact points without significantly increasing overall complexity.
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 secure clamping and manipulation of piece goods from multiple parallel rows with reduced complexity and weight, ensuring they remain oriented correctly during handling and palletization without unintentional release, and allows for efficient handling of goods with varying dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
The support bar is spring-pressed towards the piece goods so that the support bar, in each case under the action of force, comes into contact with piece goods from different rows
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A gripper (1) for grasping unit loads (6) is disclosed, the unit loads (6) being moved in several parallel rows (31, 32, 33, 34). The gripper (1) has at least one first gripper bar (12) and at least one second gripper bar (14), wherein the first gripper bar (12) and the second gripper bar (14) are configured to perform a delivery movement, by which each delivery movement can clamp unit loads (6) from different parallel rows (31, 32, 33, 34) between the first gripper bar (12) and the second gripper bar (14). The gripper (1) also includes at least one support bar (20, 22) which is arranged between the first gripper bar (12) and the second gripper bar (14).The at least one support strip (20, 22) is mounted so that it can be moved relative to the first gripper strip (12) and the second gripper strip (14) in such a way that the at least one support strip (20, 22) can change its position relative to the force-actuated attachment of unit loads (6) from different parallel rows (31, 32, 33, 34) as required during a respective delivery movement.