Integrated Gripper Switching Module for Minimal Wiring Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices require extensive wiring and programming to adapt to different machine controllers, making them cumbersome and difficult to handle and adjust for various gripping tasks.
Innovation Solution
An electrically controllable switching module is integrated into the gripping device, featuring both pressure medium and electrical connections, allowing for minimal wiring and programming efforts. This module includes electrically controllable valves and an electronic control system that evaluates internal and external signals from sensors, enabling easy adaptation to different gripper types and machine controllers via a single cable and fluid line connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional external switching cabinet and separate valve blocks are used, then the gripping device can be controlled, but the wiring complexity and programming effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the switching module with the base body by integrating the valve block, electronic control unit, and memory module into a single compact unit that is directly mounted on the base body. This merging eliminates the need for separate external switching cabinets and multiple disconnected valve blocks, thereby reducing wiring complexity and programming effort while maintaining full control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated switching module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the valve block for pneumatic control, contains the electronic control unit for signal processing, and includes a memory module for storing gripping parameters. This multi-functional design allows the gripping device to be easily adapted to different tasks without requiring separate control components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping device is designed for specific gripper types, then it can perform specialized tasks, but the adaptability to different gripper types and tasks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through a memory module that can store different gripping parameters and a sensor system that provides real-time feedback about the mounted gripper type. This allows the control unit to automatically adjust control signals according to the specific gripper configuration, enabling the same base body to work with various gripper types without manual reconfiguration or complex mechanical adjustments.
3Device complexity
If multiple separate components are used for control, then each component can be optimized independently, but the overall device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a nested structure where the electronic control unit and memory module are integrated within the valve block housing, which itself is mounted on the base body. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional components to occupy overlapping or adjacent spaces efficiently, reducing the overall volume required while maintaining independent optimizability of each subsystem.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device includes carriages or pivot arms carrying gripping elements. The carriages or pivot arms are mounted and guided in a base body and are drivable by at least one cylinder-piston unit. A switching module is mounted on the base body. The switching module includes at least one pressure medium connection and at least one electrical connection. At least one electrically controllable valve, which is switching a pressure medium, and at least one electronic controller for implementing external and internal control signals are arranged in the control module. The internal control signals originate from at least one sensor which detects at least one physical characteristic variable of the carriage(s) and/or the cylinder-piston unit at least in or on the base body. The gripping device can be adapted to at least one machine control system with a minimum interconnection and programming effort.