Gripping Device Engaging Pin Vertical Retraction for Tight Battery Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gripping devices face challenges in retracting from workpieces in tight spaces due to insufficient clearance between battery modules and casing in small electric vehicle batteries, where traditional chuck jaws cannot fully open.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with a side supporting unit, pusher members, and an engaging pin that can move upward within the pusher members, allowing the engaging pin to be easily retracted from the workpiece without horizontal movement, even in small spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional chuck jaws are used to hold and release battery modules, then the gripping device can securely hold workpieces, but the chuck jaws cannot fully open due to insufficient clearance between battery modules and casing in small electric vehicle batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging pin changes its motion direction from horizontal (perpendicular to pusher member) to vertical (parallel to pusher member). By moving the engaging pin in the same dimension as the pusher member's reciprocating motion, the design eliminates the need for additional horizontal clearance, allowing the gripping device to function in tight spaces between battery modules and casing.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the engaging pin moving outward horizontally to release the workpiece (traditional approach), the pin moves inward vertically along with the pusher member. This inverted motion approach allows the gripping device to release battery modules by reversing the engagement direction, accommodating the limited clearance in small electric vehicle battery assemblies.
2Volume of moving object
If small casing is used to reduce vehicle size, then the electric vehicle dimensions are reduced, but the clearance between battery modules and casing becomes too small for traditional gripping devices
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device adapts to the reduced horizontal clearance by changing the engaging pin's motion to the vertical dimension. This dimensional change allows the device to operate effectively in the constrained space created by the compact casing, maintaining operational capability while accommodating the reduced overall vehicle size.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device includes a side supporting unit supporting or releasing a side of a workpiece, a plurality of pusher members pushing the workpiece downward, and a pusher member shifting unit shifting the pusher members in a direction toward or away from the workpiece. An engaging pin to be engaged with a through-hole created in the workpiece is disposed inside at least one of the pusher members.