Workpiece Gripping Device with Rotating Finger Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece gripping devices are unable to effectively grip workpieces of different shapes, particularly those made of plate-shaped members like sheet metal parts, as they are primarily designed for gripping workpieces of varying sizes but not shapes.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece gripping device featuring a base body with a first finger unit and a second finger unit, each equipped with retaining structures that can reciprocate and rotate, allowing for various gripping modes by adjusting their positions and orientations to accommodate different workpiece shapes, including the use of tapered portions and claw members for secure engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional workpiece gripping device is used, then it can grip workpieces of different sizes, but it cannot grip workpieces of different shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into multiple independent finger units (first finger unit with first retaining structure, second finger unit with second retaining structure) that can operate independently. Each finger unit can reciprocate in its own axial direction and rotate on a plane perpendicular to that direction, allowing them to adapt to different workpiece shapes through coordinated movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structures are designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing them to reciprocate (move back and forth) in axial directions and rotate on planes perpendicular to those directions. This dynamic behavior enables the gripping device to adapt its configuration to match various workpiece shapes, transforming a static structure into a versatile adaptive system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the first and second retaining structures reciprocate and rotate, then versatility is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each finger unit is designed with dual capabilities: reciprocation in an axial direction and rotation on a perpendicular plane. This multi-functionality allows the same basic structure to perform multiple gripping operations (sandwiching from different directions, rotating to match contours) without requiring entirely different mechanisms for each function, thereby enhancing versatility while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple gripping functions into a unified system where the first and second finger units work together. The base body integrates both finger units, and they can operate independently or in coordination, merging the complexity of multiple gripping modes into a single integrated mechanism rather than separate devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A workpiece gripping device includes a base body and a pair of finger units configured to grip a workpiece. A first finger unit of the pair of finger units includes a scoop member configured to reciprocate in the direction of the arrow Z relative to the base body and rotate on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the arrow Z. A second finger unit of the pair of finger units includes a pressing member configured to reciprocate in the direction of the arrow X and rotate on a plane perpendicular to the direction of the arrow Z.