Gripping Device with Independent Clamping Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anthropomorphic gripping devices face difficulties in securely gripping and handling heavy components with their center of gravity outside the imaginary line between gripper fingers, especially under external forces, and struggle with objects like pans and bread slicers.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a tensioning device that can be actuated independently of the gripping fingers, allowing for the use of clamping components with holding sections that interact with the base part, and the incorporation of displaceable locking elements and spring elements to securely fix heavy components, along with magnetic or suction clamping options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If anthropomorphic gripping devices use only gripping fingers to hold components, then the device structure remains simple, but the gripping force is insufficient for heavy components with center of gravity outside the finger line
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into two independent subsystems: gripping fingers for light components and a clamping device with locking elements for heavy components. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and increasing gripping force capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The base part is designed to accommodate both gripping fingers and a clamping device with locking elements, enabling the same device to handle both light components (using fingers) and heavy components (using clamping device). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its complexity based on the component weight.
2Reliability
If gripping fingers are used alone, then the device operates simply, but it cannot securely handle heavy components under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping device with locking elements is positioned to engage with holding sections on the component before the component is subjected to external forces during handling. This preliminary action of clamping and locking ensures that when external forces act on heavy components, the device is already prepared to resist them, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping device acts as an intermediary between the base part and heavy components, providing a mechanical locking interface through locking elements and holding sections. This intermediary mechanism transfers and distributes external forces securely, enabling reliable handling of heavy components under various external forces without direct reliance on gripping fingers alone.
3Force
If a clamping device with locking elements is added, then heavy components can be securely fixed, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are designed to automatically engage with the holding sections when the clamping device is actuated, utilizing spring elements for automatic resetting. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for complex control systems and manual intervention, allowing the clamping device to provide high clamping force while minimizing the overall complexity of the device structure.
4Ease of operation
If gripping fingers are used for all components, then the device design remains simple, but it fails to provide sufficient support for components with center of gravity outside the finger line
Solution Approach 1:
The base part is designed with universal compatibility to accommodate both gripping fingers and a clamping device with locking elements, allowing the same device to handle both light components (using fingers) and heavy components (using clamping device). This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to adapt its complexity based on the component weight and handling requirements.
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
Enables the secure handling of both small and heavy components by providing additional gripping force and mechanical locking, allowing for safe handling of objects like pots, pans, and knives that were previously difficult for anthropomorphic grippers to manage.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements are provided which urge the locking elements into the locking position or release position
Implementation Method 2
The clamping device can also be designed as a magnetic clamping device. The holding sections can then be fixed to the base part by means of magnetic forces.
Implementation Method 3
the magnetic forces are compensated for by means of electromagnetic fields in order to release the clamping component from the base part
Implementation Method 4
The clamping device can also be designed as a suction clamping device, with the holding sections being fixed by means of forces provided by negative or positive pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device (10, 40, 50), comprising a base part (12, 52) and gripping fingers (4) for gripping gripping components, which gripping fingers are movably arranged on the base part (12, 52), characterized in that a clamping device (22, 54) is additionally provided on the base part (12, 52), which clamping device interacts with at least one holding segment (30) provided on a clamping component (28) in order to fasten the clamping component (28) to the base part (12, 52).