Gripping Module for Parallelepiped Boxes Using Inverted Tooth Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for handling resin boxes with open tops, such as using forks or forklifts, often damage the contents, especially when boxes contain randomly arranged bags, as they can puncture or tear the bags due to the lateral penetration required for gripping.
Innovation Solution
A gripping module with configurable gripping organs that engage and retract from the lateral openings of the box from the inside, using a pushing body with a tooth that projects outwardly, and an articulated arm system for precise positioning, minimizing contact with the box's contents and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If forks are moved closer to the outer sides of the box and fitted in the through windows from the outside, then the box can be gripped for handling, but the content of the box may be damaged due to lateral penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping organ is inverted so that the tooth engages the through opening from the inside of the box rather than from the outside. The pushing body is positioned within the box and the tooth fits the through opening from the inside towards the outside, reversing the conventional approach of lateral penetration from the exterior.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism transitions from lateral engagement (from the sides) to vertical engagement (from the top opening). The pushing body moves vertically within the box to position the tooth at the through opening, changing the dimension of approach from horizontal to vertical.
2Ease of operation
If forks are inserted on the lower surface of the boxes, then the boxes can be lifted and handled, but large open space is required beside the stacked boxes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism moves from horizontal engagement (at the lower surface requiring lateral space) to vertical engagement (at the top opening requiring minimal lateral space). The pushing body operates vertically within the box, eliminating the need for large open spaces beside the stacked boxes.
3Ease of operation
If the tooth projects outwardly of the gripping module, then the through opening can be engaged effectively, but the pushing body may contact and damage the box contents
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing body is preliminarily positioned within the box at a controlled distance from the through opening. Before the tooth engages the opening, the pushing body is already in place to provide support and control, preventing contact with the contents while maintaining gripping effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the pushing body is dynamically adjusted by changing the distance parameter relative to the through opening. The actuating means configure the pushing body at different distances to balance gripping effectiveness with content protection, retracting the tooth when not in use.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A gripping module (100) for gripping a parallelepiped or cuboid box (1) by acting on an open top (2) of the box (1), the gripping module (100) comprising at least a first pair of gripping organs (101) that are configurable in at least a first position in which each gripping organ (101) engages a lateral through opening (7) of the box (1) and a second position in which the gripping organ (101) is moved away from the through opening (7) of the box (1), each gripping organ (101) comprising a pushing body (102) having a tooth (103) which projects outwardly of the gripping module (100), in the first position of the gripping organ (101) the pushing body (102) being within the box (1) and the tooth (103) fitting the through opening (7) from the inside of the box (1) towards the outside of the box (1), in the second position of the gripping organ (101) the pushing body (102) being within the box (1) and the tooth (103) being retracted inside the box (1) thus clearing the through opening (7).