Object-Gripping Transport Carrier With Rack-and-Pinion Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for gripping and transporting objects, such as containers, are cumbersome and difficult to adjust precisely in height, often requiring manual manipulation and additional components like spindles or pneumatic/hydraulic actuators, which increase weight and complexity, making maintenance and replacement challenging.
Innovation Solution
A device with a rack and gear shaft mechanism that allows for precise axial adjustment of the carrier and gripping devices, featuring a rotatably mounted worm shaft interacting with the rack, enabling easy access and reducing the need for manual intervention, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment with fastening elements is used, then height adjustment is possible, but the adjustment process is cumbersome and precise adjustment is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual fastening element system with a rack and pinion gear mechanism. The pinion gear, when rotated, engages with the rack to move the support plate precisely along the shaft in discrete incremental steps, eliminating the need for manual loosening and positioning while enabling accurate height adjustment through simple rotational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack and pinion gear act as an intermediary mechanism between the user's rotational input and the linear positional adjustment of the support plate. This intermediary mechanism translates small rotational movements into precise linear displacements, making the adjustment process both easier and more accurate.
2Extent of automation
If pneumatic or hydraulic actuators are used, then height adjustment is automated, but the cost and weight of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems with a simple manual rack and pinion gear mechanism. This mechanical solution achieves sufficient automation for the application while dramatically reducing weight and complexity compared to fluid-powered actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies automation only where necessary - the rack and pinion provides automated positional control for the support plate, while other components remain simple mechanical elements. This localized approach to automation avoids the overhead of full system automation with heavy actuators.
3Ease of operation
If a spindle with helical thread and fixing plate are used, then height adjustment is possible, but access to gripping devices becomes more difficult and replacement or cleaning becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment mechanism into modular components - the rack is formed on the shaft while the pinion gear is mounted on the support plate. This segmentation allows the support plate and gripping devices to be accessed independently without removing entire fixing structures, facilitating easier maintenance and cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adjustment function from a fixed integrating structure and implements it as a separate, movable rack-pinion system. This allows the support plate to be adjusted and accessed independently, making gripping devices more accessible for maintenance while preserving height adjustment capability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the support plate is mounted on the shaft with a precise fit, then rotation is secure, but the thread is stressed by the support plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the threaded connection system with a rack and pinion gear system. The rack, formed directly on the shaft, engages with the pinion gear to provide both secure rotational coupling and stress-free height adjustment, eliminating thread stress entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the adjustment mechanism from a radial threaded connection to an axial rack-pinion engagement. This dimensional change allows the support plate to be securely coupled to the shaft while enabling stress-free positional adjustment along the shaft's axis.
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
Facilitates easy and precise height adjustment of gripping devices, simplifies maintenance, and reduces device weight and complexity by eliminating the need for additional fixing plates and manual manipulation, ensuring minimal misalignment and easy access for cleaning or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the axial position of the arrangement along the shaft, which comprises a rack formed on the shaft and a gear shaft rotatably mounted in the arrangement and cooperating with the rack
Implementation Method 2
a gear shaft rotatably mounted in the arrangement and cooperating with the rack
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device for gripping and transporting objects (2), for example containers, comprises a shaft (3; 46; 62), an arrangement (8; 51; 66) which comprises at least one carrier (11; 53; 68) arranged on the shaft (3; 46; 62) in a rotationally secure manner, wherein an axial position of the arrangement (8; 51; 66) along the shaft (3; 46; 62) is adjustable, and at least one gripping device (25a-h; 84a-i) arranged on the carrier (11; 53; 68). Each gripping device (25a-h; 84a-i) comprises a pair of gripping arms (28, 29; 85, 86) for gripping one of the objects (2). The device comprises an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the axial position of the arrangement (8; 51; 66) along the shaft (3; 46; 62), which comprises a rack (7; 58; 65) formed on the shaft (3; 46; 62) and a gear shaft (20; 57; 78) rotatably mounted in the arrangement (8; 51; 66) and cooperating with the rack (7; 58; 65).