Gripping Device Attaching-Detaching Mechanism for Claw Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices with attaching-detaching mechanisms are prone to unintentional detachment of claw members from movable members due to external forces exceeding the magnetic and spring biases, leading to a weak connection.
Innovation Solution
The gripping device incorporates a mechanism with guide holes, tubular support members, radially movable engagement members, and wedge portions to create frictional counterforces, ensuring the claw members remain attached by using holding springs and protrusions to distribute forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a permanent magnet and compression spring are used to attach the claw member to the movable member, then the attaching-detaching mechanism is simple and easy to operate, but the connection strength is insufficient when external forces exceed the magnetic and spring biases
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching-detaching mechanism is divided into two independent systems: a magnetic attachment system for easy connection and a mechanical locking system with engagement balls and grooves for strong connection. This segmentation allows each subsystem to optimize its function - the magnetic system provides ease of operation while the mechanical locking system provides connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement balls are positioned in advance within the movable member, and the grooves are pre-formed on the connecting rod. When the connecting rod is inserted, the engagement balls automatically engage with the grooves before any external force can cause detachment. This beforehand preparation ensures that the mechanical locking is already in place to counteract external forces.
2Device complexity
If only magnetic force and spring bias are used to maintain attachment, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of preventing unintentional detachment is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement balls act as intermediary elements between the movable member and the connecting rod. These small spherical intermediaries transmit and secure the connection by engaging with the grooves, providing a reliable mechanical link that supplements the magnetic force and spring bias without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement balls utilize their spherical geometry to provide reliable engagement with the grooves. The curved surface of the balls allows for smooth insertion and secure locking, while the spherical shape distributes forces evenly during attachment and detachment operations, enhancing reliability without adding complex mechanical structures.
3Ease of operation
If the claw member is detached even slightly from the movable member, then the attachment mechanism allows easy detachment, but the magnetic force decreases drastically causing unintentional detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical locking system with engagement balls and grooves provides preliminary anti-action against unintentional detachment. By physically interlocking the connecting rod with the movable member through the engagement balls seated in the grooves, the system prevents the claw member from detaching even when external forces act on it, countering the weakness of magnetic force before detachment can occur.
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 configuration prevents unintentional detachment by generating counteractive frictional forces and maintains a strong connection between claw and movable members, even under external loads, thus enhancing the reliability of the gripping device.
Implementation Method 1
A permanent magnet is attached to an upper end portion of the connecting rod. A to-be-attached portion, which is configured to be attracted by and attached to the permanent magnet, is provided on a peripheral wall of the attachment hole of the claw member.
Implementation Method 2
A compression spring and an engagement ball are attached into the support hole so as to be movable radially. The compression spring biases the engagement ball radially outward.
Implementation Method 3
The engagement ball is configured to be insertable into a recess provided at an inner peripheral wall of the attachment hole of the claw member. When the connecting rod is inserted into the attachment hole, the engagement ball is engaged in the recess of the attachment hole.
Data Source
AI summary
An attaching-detaching mechanism (23, 63) of a gripping device includes: a tubular support member (44, 84) provided to a movable member (3, 4) to protrude in the guide hole (24, 64); engagement members (46, 86) respectively inserted in support holes (45, 85) of the support member (44, 84) so as to be radially movable; an operation portion (49, 89) inserted in a guide hole (24, 64); wedge portions (50, 90) provided on an inner peripheral wall of the operation portion (49, 89); a connecting rod (53, 93) provided to protrude from a claw member (22, 62) and configured to be insertable into a tubular hole (51, 91) of the support member (44, 84); and a lock portion (56, 96) provided on an outer peripheral wall of the connecting rod (53, 93).