Handling Device Sensor System for Position Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handling devices require multiple sensor systems for comprehensive monitoring, leading to increased design complexity and susceptibility to errors, particularly in accurately monitoring position accuracy and positional movements of held objects during processing.

Innovation Solution

A handling device with a sensor system comprising two interacting sensor components, where one sensor component is connected to the contact section and the other to the base section, allowing for the measurement of operating parameters such as displacement, force, and presence detection, thereby simplifying the monitoring process and reducing the need for multiple sensor systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple sensor systems are used for comprehensive monitoring, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition accuracy monitoringVSAvoidsensor system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensor functions into a single sensor system. The sensor device includes a first sensor component arranged on the contact section and a second sensor component arranged on the base section, which together measure displacement, presence, and force through their relative movements. This merging approach maintains comprehensive monitoring capability while reducing the number of separate sensor systems needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously. The same sensor components that detect displacement between the contact section and base section also enable presence detection and force measurement. This multi-functionality allows a single sensor system to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple sensor devices are arranged on the handling device, then comprehensive monitoring of operating parameters is achieved, but susceptibility to errors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring reliabilityVSAvoidsensor device quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reduces the number of sensor devices by combining multiple monitoring functions into a single integrated sensor system. The first and second sensor components work together to provide comprehensive monitoring of displacement, presence, and force, thereby reducing susceptibility to errors associated with multiple separate sensor systems while maintaining reliable monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If sensor components are arranged to directly contact the object, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of object interference and error increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition measurement accuracyVSAvoidobject interference with sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces the contact section as an intermediary between the object and the first sensor component. The first sensor component is arranged on the contact section rather than directly contacting the object. This intermediary structure allows the sensor to measure displacement and position accurately while being protected from direct object interference, contamination, and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3290167B1Handling device and method for monitoring a handling procedure
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 J SCHMALZ GMBH
  • EP3290167B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3290167B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3290167B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a handling device (10) for holding objects (12) comprising a base section (22) and a contact section (20), and a sensor device (26) comprising a first sensor component (28) and a second sensor component (30) which cooperate to determine operating parameters of the handling device (10). The sensor device (26) is configured to detect a change in the position of the first sensor component (28) relative to the second sensor component (30), wherein the first sensor component (28) is designed and arranged such that when an object (12) rests against and is held against the contact section (20), a displacement of the object (12) relative to the base section (22) is associated with a displacement of the first sensor component (28) relative to the base section (22), and wherein the second sensor component (30) is arranged in a fixed position relative to the base section (22).The invention also relates to a method for monitoring a handling process with a handling device.