Gripper Pin Element Merging Pivot and Locking Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers for industrial manipulators have a complex assembly process due to numerous components and connecting elements, leading to increased manufacturing costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A gripper design featuring a gripper body with two removable portions, where a pin element acts as both a pivot and locking mechanism, eliminating the need for dedicated locking means like screws or brackets, and utilizing preloading elastic forces for secure assembly without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated locking means (screws, brackets, adhesive substances) are used to lock the two portions of the gripper body, then the locking reliability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element combines multiple functions: it acts as both a pivot pin for the movable jaw/transmission element and as a locking pin for the two portions of the gripper body. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate dedicated locking means such as screws, brackets, or adhesive substances, thereby reducing the number of components while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin element is designed as a multi-functional component that serves universal purposes: providing pivot support for moving parts and simultaneously providing locking function for the gripper body portions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while ensuring both mobility and structural integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple connecting elements (screws, brackets, adhesive substances) are used to assemble the gripper, then the assembly stability is improved, but the assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pin element merges the functions of connection, pivoting, and locking into a single component. This eliminates the need for multiple separate connecting elements such as screws, brackets, and adhesive substances, thereby significantly reducing assembly time and steps while maintaining stable and secure assembly of the gripper portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pin element with its circumferential groove and the contact edge on the second portion create a self-locking mechanism. When the pin is inserted, the elastic force generated by preloading elastic means forces the first and second portions to move away from each other, causing the circumferential groove to engage the contact edge automatically, locking the assembly without requiring additional fastening operations.
3Strength
If traditional locking mechanisms (screws, brackets) are used, then the locking strength is improved, but the ease of manufacture and assembly is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. The pin element with its circumferential groove automatically engages with the contact edge on the second portion under the action of elastic force generated by preloading elastic means. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for manual tightening of screws or installation of brackets, making assembly easier while maintaining strong locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, nuts, brackets) with an elastic-mechanical locking system. The circumferential groove engaging the contact edge under elastic force provides a tool-free, snap-fit style assembly that is both easy to manufacture and provides sufficient locking strength.
4Ease of operation
If the pin element is inserted without preloading force, then the assembly simplicity is improved, but the locking reliability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The preloading elastic means are prearranged in the gripper body to generate elastic force that forces the first and second portions to move away from each other. This preliminary action creates the necessary condition for the circumferential groove of the pin element to engage the contact edge automatically when the pin is inserted, ensuring reliable locking without requiring complex assembly operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The preloading elastic means automatically generate the force needed for locking engagement. When the pin element is inserted, the elastic force caused by preloading elastic means forces the first and second portions to move away from each other, causing the circumferential groove to engage the contact edge. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable locking while keeping assembly simple and tool-free.
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
Simplifies and speeds up the assembly process, reduces the number of components, and lowers manufacturing costs by allowing tool-free assembly and secure locking of the gripper components.
Implementation Method 1
a preloading elastic force acting perpendicularly to the said pivot axes; the elastic force is generated by preloading elastic means prearranged in the gripper body so as to force the first portion and the second portion of the gripper body to reciprocally move away from each other
Implementation Method 2
The at least one pin element also acts as a locking pin to lock together the first portion and the second portion of the gripper body in assembled condition
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper for industrial manipulators includes: at least two jaws one of which being movable allowing it to be opened and closed; and a gripper body. A first gripper body portion housing an actuator device and a second portion supporting the jaws and at least one pin element, defining a pivot axis of the movable jaw, or a pivot axis of at least one transmission element operatively interposed between the at least one movable jaw and the actuator device. The gripper arranged so that the pin element also acts as a locking pin to firmly lock together the first and second portions of the gripper body in assembled condition. The pin element having a circumferential groove which allows a snap coupling of the first portion and the second portion of the gripper body: an elastic element separating them and engaging the edge of one of the two in the groove.