Gripping Attachment with Dual Curved Surfaces for Ring Objects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping attachments are unable to effectively grasp ring-shaped or hollow, open objects from the inside, as they are designed to grip objects from the outside and require gripping elements with teeth.

Innovation Solution

A gripping attachment with a convexly curved first gripping surface that protrudes outward and a second gripping surface that protrudes inward, allowing for the attachment to be mounted on a gripping element, enabling the gripping of ring-shaped objects from the inside without the need for gripping teeth. The first gripping surface is designed to be convexly curved in two directions, and the second surface can be arranged lower, with a bearing for contact with the gripping element, ensuring secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gripping attachment is designed to grasp objects from the outside using gripping teeth, then heavy objects can be securely gripped, but ring-shaped or hollow objects cannot be grasped from the inside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to grasp different object typesVSAvoidgripping element structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the gripping surface orientation by providing both an outwardly projecting first gripping surface and an inwardly projecting second gripping surface. This allows the same gripping attachment to grasp objects from the outside (using the first surface) or from the inside (using the second surface), thereby resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping attachment is designed with dual gripping surfaces that can perform multiple functions: the first outwardly projecting surface for grasping external surfaces and the second inwardly projecting surface for grasping internal surfaces of hollow objects. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate gripping elements for different object types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of manufacture

If a gripping surface is flat or simply curved, then manufacturing is simple, but gentle handling of ring-shaped elements requires adaptation to inner diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegripping surface fabricationVSAvoidadaptation to inner diameter
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The first gripping surface is designed with convex curvature in two transverse directions, creating a doubly curved surface that naturally adapts to the inner diameter of ring-shaped objects. This curvature enables gentle contact and secure grasping without requiring complex manufacturing processes, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Device complexity

If the gripping attachment is mounted without a lower bearing, then the structure is simpler, but secure attachment and pressing against the gripping element cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment structureVSAvoidsecure attachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping attachment is segmented into distinct functional components: the first gripping surface for external contact, the second gripping surface for internal contact, and a lower bearing for structural support and pressing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function effectively while maintaining overall structural integrity and reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3517691B1Gripping attachment for gripping units of a gripper
Publication Date: 2022.04.06 DMS TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP3517691B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3517691B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3517691B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a gripping attachment (1) for gripping elements (21) of a gripper (22) for grasping an object, with at least one first gripping surface (44), wherein the gripping elements (21) are movable from a closed position outwards to an open position and vice versa. According to the invention, the first gripping surface (44) is designed and arranged such that the gripping attachment (1) can be mounted on the gripping element (21) with the first gripping surface (44) projecting outwards beyond the gripping element (21).