Handling Module Rotary Coupling Adaptability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping and handling modules face challenges in achieving a simple yet reliable rotary coupling between the handling module and the drive unit, particularly when the drive unit needs to be arranged either parallel or transverse to the module, due to differences in axis orientations.
Innovation Solution
The handling module incorporates a rotary member with both peripheral and flat-side coupling areas, allowing coupling to the drive shaft from different directions, and can feature spur gear, crown wheel, or bevel gear designs, enabling flexible mounting and torque transmission regardless of the drive unit's orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single coupling design is used for the rotary member, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate both parallel and transverse drive unit arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary member is designed with two different coupling areas: a peripheral coupling area with circumferential coupling elements for transverse drive unit arrangements, and a flat-side coupling area with flat coupling elements for parallel drive unit arrangements. This multi-functional design allows a single rotary member to accommodate both parallel and transverse drive unit arrangements without requiring separate coupling mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the drive unit is arranged parallel to the module, then the axis of rotation aligns with the module axis, but the coupling structure becomes more complex compared to transverse arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
Different coupling areas are provided on the rotary member tailored to specific drive unit arrangements: the peripheral coupling area with circumferential coupling elements is optimized for transverse arrangements, while the flat-side coupling area with flat coupling elements is optimized for parallel arrangements. This localized specialization allows each coupling area to be simple and easy to operate for its intended configuration, while the overall system maintains adaptability to both configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different coupling mechanisms are provided for parallel and transverse arrangements, then both arrangements are supported, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Two different coupling mechanisms are merged into a single rotary member by providing two distinct coupling areas on the same component. The peripheral coupling area with circumferential coupling elements and the flat-side coupling area with flat coupling elements are both integrated into one rotary member, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms and reducing the overall number of components while maintaining support for both parallel and transverse drive unit arrangements.
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 solution allows for reliable and efficient rotary coupling of the drive shaft to the rotary member, ensuring consistent performance and torque transmission regardless of the drive unit's arrangement relative to the module, facilitating easy adaptation to different installation positions without complex gear ratio adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
It is also conceivable that the flat-side coupling area is designed like a crown wheel and has straight or helical teeth
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The module e.g. gripping module (12), has a connection section (24) for arranging a drive unit (14) including a rotatable drive shaft. A rotating link is coupled with the drive shaft during connecting the drive unit to the gripping module, and with control jaws (16, 18) e.g. turntable and position table. The rotating link includes a circumferential-sided coupling region and a flat-sided coupling region that is formed in crown wheel-like shape such that the circumferential coupling region or the flat side coupling region is coupled with the drive shaft after arrangement of the drive unit.