Gripping Tool Deformation Restrictor for Inertial Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripping tools face challenges in reliably and stably clamping objects of various shapes due to moments caused by inertial forces during horizontal movement.
Innovation Solution
The gripping tool features clamping claws with a planar clamping surface, a friction-holding elastic member, and an elastic body with a lower elastic modulus, where the clamping surface is equipped with a deformation-restrictor that restricts deformation in the width direction, enhancing the gripping stability by increasing frictional force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gripping unit with clamping claws is used to hold an article, then the article can be clamped, but a moment due to inertial force acts on the gripping unit during horizontal movement causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the clamping surface by introducing an elastic body with specific elastic modulus properties. The elastic body deforms under clamping force to increase the contact area and friction coefficient between the clamping surface and the article, thereby counteracting the destabilizing inertial moment during horizontal movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a friction-holding elastic member combined with an elastic body having a lower elastic modulus. This composite material configuration allows the clamping surface to exhibit both friction-generating properties and deformable characteristics, enabling stable article holding despite inertial forces during movement.
2Strength
If the clamping surface is made rigid to maintain structural strength, then the structure is strong, but the frictional force is insufficient to prevent article slippage during movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the clamping surface by introducing an elastic body with controlled elastic modulus. This elastic component deforms under load to increase the real contact area and frictional force, while the overall structure maintains its structural strength through the supporting rigid framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making only the clamping surface area elastic rather than the entire structure. The elastic body is localized at the contact point with the article, providing enhanced friction where needed, while the rest of the clamping claw maintains rigidity for structural strength.
3Force
If the elastic body is allowed to deform freely to increase friction, then frictional force increases, but the elastic body deforms in the width direction causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deformation freedom of the elastic body by introducing a deformation-restrictor structure. This restrictor divides the potential deformation space, allowing the elastic body to deform primarily in the clamping direction (increasing friction) while constraining deformation in the width direction (maintaining stability).
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation-restrictor acts as an intermediary element between the elastic body and the external environment. It mediates the deformation behavior by selectively permitting deformation in beneficial directions while preventing deformation in harmful directions, thus balancing friction enhancement with stability maintenance.
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
This configuration allows for reliable and stable clamping of objects, including those with difficult shapes, by restricting deformation and increasing the frictional force, preventing objects from shifting or falling due to inertial moments during horizontal movement.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic body which is disposed between the friction-holding elastic member and the clamping surface and has a lower elastic modulus than the friction-holding elastic member
Implementation Method 2
a friction-holding elastic member which is disposed on the clamping surface side of the clamping body
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping tool includes a plurality of clamping portions for clamping an object. The plurality of clamping portions extends in an extending direction. The clamping portion includes a clamping body having a clamping surface in planar to which a clamping direction for clamping the object crosses; a friction-holding elastic member disposed on the clamping surface of the clamping body; and an elastic body disposed between the friction-holding elastic member and the clamping surface, the elastic body being lower in elastic modulus than the friction-holding elastic member. The clamping portion has a deformation-restrictor extending along opposite sides of the clamping surface. The opposite sides is separate from each other in a width direction of the clamping surface. The width direction crosses the extending direction of the clamping portion. The deformation-restrictor is configured to restrict, in the width direction, deformation of the elastic body.