Gripper with Independent Suction Cups for Single-End Cap Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for packaging large rolls, such as paper rolls, face interruptions due to the lifting of multiple end caps at once, leading to manual disposal and system shutdowns, as they require separate holders and lack efficient control for single-end cap lifting.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with suction cups attached to a holding arm is used, where at least one suction cup is raised independently to initiate a pivoting/tilting movement, creating a 'gusset' to prevent the next end cap from being lifted, allowing for controlled, single-end cap lifting without additional holders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a robot with a gripping device lifts end caps from a stack, then the end cap can be applied to the end face of the roll, but multiple end caps are lifted simultaneously causing production interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple independent suction cup units that can be controlled separately. By selectively activating only the suction cup at the very top position and keeping others inactive, the system segments the lifting function to ensure only one end cap is lifted at a time, preventing multiple caps from being accidentally lifted simultaneously and thus maintaining continuous production operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different suction cups are given different functional states: the topmost suction cup is activated to lift the end cap, while the remaining suction cups are kept inactive to press against the stack and prevent other end caps from being lifted. This local differentiation of functional quality ensures reliable single-end cap lifting and eliminates production interruptions.
2Reliability
If separate holders are used to prevent multiple end caps from being lifted, then single-end cap lifting is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device with multiple suction cups serves dual functions: it both lifts the end cap (through the activated top suction cup) and prevents other end caps from being lifted (through the inactive suction cups pressing against the stack). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate preventive holders, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable single-end cap lifting control.
Solution Approach 2:
The lifting function and the preventive function are merged into a single gripping device. The same suction cup array that lifts the end cap also prevents other end caps from being lifted by maintaining contact pressure through its inactive cups. This merging eliminates redundant components and simplifies the overall system structure.
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
This method ensures single-end cap lifting, reducing production interruptions and eliminating the need for separate holders, enabling efficient and controlled packaging by preventing the lift of subsequent end caps.
Implementation Method 1
the suction cups are subjected to negative pressure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The method involves lifting cupping vessel that is independent of resting cupping vessel (4), where after lifting the cupping vessel a front cover (2) is detached from front cover stack (3). The cupping vessel is covered by the front cover in boundary area (8). An independent claim is included for a device for lifting front cover of front cover stack by support arm.