Gripping Device with Shared Hoisting Unit for Simultaneous Workpiece Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer devices for electronic components face challenges in simultaneously loading and unloading workpieces from multiple positions due to shared hoisting and lowering units, leading to inefficiencies and increased mechanical complexity.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with independent gripping plates and a motion control unit that allows for simultaneous hoisting and lowering operations, enabling the device to grip and release workpieces at multiple positions without the need for separate driving units, thus simplifying the mechanism and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared hoisting and lowering unit is used for multiple arms, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity decreases because workpieces cannot be passed and received at multiple delivery positions simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device is divided into a gripping unit with gripping plates for each arm, while the hoisting and lowering unit remains shared. This segmentation allows independent gripping operations at multiple positions while maintaining a unified hoisting mechanism, resolving the contradiction between complexity and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The motion control unit dynamically coordinates the timing and sequence of gripping plate operations with the shared hoisting and lowering unit. By enabling dynamic control of gripping plate movement and spacing, the system achieves simultaneous workpiece handling at multiple positions without requiring independent hoisting units for each arm.
2Productivity
If separate hoisting and lowering units are provided for each arm, then the productivity improves by allowing simultaneous workpiece transfer at multiple positions, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shared hoisting and lowering unit serves multiple arms simultaneously, performing the lifting function for all gripping units. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate hoisting units while maintaining the capability for simultaneous operations at multiple positions through coordinated control of gripping plates.
3Productivity
If separate hoisting and lowering units are provided for each arm, then the productivity improves, but the weight of the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple hoisting and lowering functions are merged into a single shared unit that serves all arms. This consolidation significantly reduces the total weight of the mechanism compared to having separate units for each arm, while productivity is maintained through the coordinated operation of gripping plates under motion control.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a gripping device grips a rim of a workpiece by opening and closing gripping plates. The device includes a gripping unit, a hoisting and lowering unit and a motion control unit. The gripping unit includes a first and a second gripping plate. The first gripping plate has a first gripper to contact the rim. The second gripping plate has a second gripper to contact the rim. At least one of the first and second gripping plates is moved and the first and second gripper are spaced from each other. The hoisting and lowering unit is configured to hoist and lower the gripping unit. The motion control unit is configured to control open/close operations and hoisting and lowering operations. The motion control unit mechanically controls first first hoisting and lowering operations, controls second the open/close operations, and controls third second hoisting and lowering operations.