Gripping Unit With Pressing Piston for Sheet Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices struggle to reliably separate stacked objects of different geometries without causing multiple parts to be picked due to adhesive forces, particularly in unstacking flat materials like sheets.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with adjustable lifting units, including both gripping and pushing units, allows for the deformation of flat materials to release adhesive forces, featuring independently actuated pistons for flexible control and adaptation to various types of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction grippers are used to grip stacked flat materials, then the top sheet can be lifted from the stack, but adhesive forces cause underlying sheets to be lifted together
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing unit is activated before or during the lifting action to preemptively break adhesive bonds between sheets. By applying pressing force to deform the top sheet locally, the adhesive forces are disrupted in advance, preventing underlying sheets from being pulled along during lifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing unit changes the physical state of the sheet by applying localized pressure, causing deformation that releases adhesive forces. This parameter change (from flat to deformed state) eliminates the harmful adhesive effect, allowing clean separation of stacked materials.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suction units are added to handle different geometries, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing unit is designed with an adjustable pressing element that can dynamically adapt its position and pressing force. This dynamic capability allows a single pressing unit to handle various sheet geometries and thicknesses, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed pressing elements for different material types.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing unit is designed as a multi-functional component that can handle different geometries of flat materials through adjustable pressing force and position. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized pressing units, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Reliability
If a pressing unit is added to deform materials and release adhesive forces, then separation reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing unit is integrated with the gripping unit in a unified structure where the pressing element is coupled to the lifting piston. This merging of functions allows the same mechanical component to perform both gripping and pressing actions, reducing the number of separate systems needed and simplifying the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing element acts as an intermediary between the lifting piston and the sheet material. By introducing this intermediate component, the complex function of material deformation and adhesive force release is achieved through a simple mechanical interface, reducing the complexity of the overall system while improving separation reliability.
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 reliable separation of stacked flat materials by locally deforming objects to prevent sticking, ensuring efficient handling and adaptation to different geometries in a structurally simple and cost-effective manner.
Implementation Method 1
the pushing element is configured to deform an object held by the gripper, especially flat material
Implementation Method 2
stacked sheets stick together due to adhesive forces
Implementation Method 3
suction grippers typically have at least one suction point for picking up and thus gripping an object
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device (10) comprising a gripper body (12) and at least two lifting units (14) arranged on the gripper body, each comprising a lifting piston (16) which is adjustable along a lifting axis (18) between an axially retracted configuration and an axially extended configuration, wherein at least one lifting unit is designed as a gripping unit (26) comprising a gripper (28) coupled to the lifting piston for gripping the object, and wherein at least one lifting unit (14) is designed as a pressing unit comprising a pressing element (32) coupled to the lifting piston for exerting a pressing force on an object held by the gripper. The invention also relates to a method for handling an object with such a gripping device.