Gripping Assembly Cam-Tappet Mechanism Coaxiality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping assemblies for cylindrical piles face challenges in maintaining coaxiality during lifting and positioning, especially when the linear actuator is deactivated, leading to reduced controllability and potential damage due to the 'floating' arm configuration, particularly in harsh conditions like strong winds and rough seas.
Innovation Solution
A gripping assembly with a lifting arm symmetrically hinged to a cylindrical body around a transverse axis, featuring a cam-tappet mechanism that maintains stability and coaxiality even when the linear actuator is deactivated, utilizing a central axle and pin system to distribute mass and prevent double pendulum effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the linear actuator is deactivated to reduce power consumption and simplify operation, then the arm can passively follow the pile orientation, but the coaxiality between the pile and gripping device cannot be maintained, leading to reduced controllability and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic stabilization mechanism where the cam-tappet assembly automatically adjusts the arm's angular position in response to pile orientation changes. The tappet moves within the cam's groove, converting pile movement into controlled arm rotation that maintains coaxiality, transforming a static floating connection into an active self-regulating system
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-tappet mechanism operates autonomously without requiring external power or control signals. As the pile moves or rotates, the tappet naturally follows the cam profile, automatically adjusting the arm position to maintain proper alignment. This self-regulating feature ensures coaxiality is preserved passively, eliminating the need for active actuator control during transportation
2Weight of moving object
If the arm is made floating to avoid excessive power requirements, then the linear actuator mass and dimensions are reduced, but the arm may impact against the gripping device internal walls during wide rotations, causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cam profile is specifically designed with controlled curvature and transition zones that prevent the tappet from experiencing sudden impacts or excessive forces. The cam geometry inherently limits the arm's rotation range and smooths out motion transitions, preventing the arm from striking the gripping device walls even during large pile movements or wave-induced oscillations
Solution Approach 2:
The cam-tappet mechanism preemptively counteracts potential harmful movements by continuously constraining the arm's angular position within safe limits. Before the arm can rotate far enough to cause impact, the cam profile guides the tappet in a way that naturally restricts the rotation, preventing the harmful condition from occurring in the first place
3Use of energy by moving object
If the arm is made floating to reduce actuator power requirements, then the system adapts to pile orientation changes, but controllability of the pile position is significantly reduced in harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a completely passive floating arm to a dynamically responsive system where the cam-tappet assembly actively regulates arm position based on pile movement. This dynamic adjustment maintains energy efficiency while restoring a degree of controllability, as the mechanism naturally dampens excessive movements and maintains stable positioning during lifting operations
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping assembly (1) designed to grasp cylindrical piles (CP) provided with a longitudinal axis (AL) in an end position: the assembly (1) comprising a first cylindrical body (10) provided with a central axis (CA) and delimited by a first upper flat face (2) and by a second lower flat face (3), parallel to each other and transversal to the central axis (CA) of the same first body (10) and a plurality of gripping members (12) evenly distributed around the central axis (CA) and radially movable to couple with one of the piles (CP) by friction: a lifting arm (20) comprising at least one support portion (22) arranged laterally with respect to a longitudinal diametral plane (M) carried by the first body (10) hinged to a plate (100)(100′) integral with the first body (10) around a first axis (TAI) transversal to the diametral plane: the first axis (TAI) being arranged on the outside of the first body (10) on the side opposite to said second face (3) with respect to the first face (2).