Gripping Device Magnetic Field Sensor Integration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices are unable to accurately measure the movement of carriage and gripping elements with precision, particularly in small stroke spans or pivoting angles, while minimizing energy and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a magnetic field generator and sensor on a shaft within the gripping device's housing, allowing for precise measurement of gripping element movement with minimal impact from gear train play, using electronic signal evaluation and Hall effect sensors for high-resolution displacement detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a magnetic field generator and sensor are positioned at the end of the gear train near the workpiece, then measurement precision is improved and the influence of gear train play is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with a magnetic field-based measurement system. A magnetic field generator (permanent magnet) and magnetic field sensor (Hall effect sensor) are used to detect the position of the shaft, eliminating the need for mechanical encoders or scales. This substitution maintains high measurement precision while reducing mechanical complexity and the influence of gear train play.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the shaft position and the measurement system. The permanent magnet generates a magnetic field that varies with shaft position, and the Hall effect sensor detects these variations without mechanical contact. This intermediary approach allows precise measurement while isolating the measurement system from mechanical play in the gear train.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution displacement measurement is achieved through magnetic field detection, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent magnet continuously generates a magnetic field without requiring external energy input. The Hall effect sensor passively detects the magnetic field variations caused by shaft movement. This self-service approach achieves high-resolution displacement measurement without continuous energy consumption, as the magnetic field generation is passive and the detection is based on voltage drops in the semiconductor material.
3Device complexity
If the magnetic field sensor and generator are integrated into the housing, then device complexity is reduced and space is minimized, but measurement precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the magnetic field generator, magnetic field sensor, and evaluation electronics into a compact integrated unit within the housing. The permanent magnet is mounted on the shaft, the Hall effect sensor is positioned in the housing near the magnet's path, and the evaluation electronics are integrated into the same assembly. This merging achieves high integration while maintaining measurement precision through careful positioning and shielding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film semiconductor technology in the Hall effect sensor to achieve compact integration. The sensor is implemented as a thin film structure that can be positioned close to the permanent magnet while maintaining electrical isolation and magnetic field detection capability. This thin-film approach enables precise measurement within a compact integrated housing.
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 precise detection of small movements, distinguishing between correct and incorrect workpieces, and accommodating various guide rail cross-sections and gear configurations for versatile application.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator and a magnetic field sensor for detecting the angle of rotation
Implementation Method 2
with electronic signal evaluation, is able to measure every slide or gripping element movement
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device with at least two gripping elements (1, 2) arranged on slides (31, 32) or gripping element carriers (41, 42), which are movable towards or away from each other. At least one shaft (91) or axle (45, 46) is located in the drive train (80) or bearing (21) of the gripping element(s), the rotational or pivoting movement of which is positively coupled to the movement of the gripping element(s). A shaft of the synchronizing gear terminates in the base body with a shaft end that carries a magnetic field generator (131, 132) for measuring the angle of rotation, while a magnetic field sensor (135) is arranged in the base body opposite the shaft end. The present invention develops a gripping device in which the movement of the slides, gripping element carriers, and/or gripping elements can be measured in stroke ranges or pivoting angle ranges that are each smaller than one-hundredth of their total stroke or pivoting angle.