Self-Locking Helical Gear Gripper for Energy-Efficient Force Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for robot arms face challenges in achieving low mass, stable, safe, and energy-saving control of slides carrying gripping elements, with limitations in position control and energy efficiency due to the need for continuous motor deflections to maintain gripping force.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a gripping device with two carriages guided by helical gears, where each toothed rack meshes with a screw wheel, and the helical gears are coupled via a gearbox, utilizing a self-locking helical gear for the last gear stage to maintain gripping force without continuous control deflections, allowing for displacement and force control of workpieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If continuous motor deflections are used to maintain gripping force, then gripping force is maintained, but energy consumption increases and drive overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking helical gear mechanism allows the gripping device to maintain gripping force automatically without continuous motor intervention. The gear's inherent self-locking property enables the system to hold position and force autonomously, eliminating the need for continuous control deflections that consume energy and generate heat.
2Reliability
If self-locking helical gear is used for last gear stage, then gripping force is maintained without continuous control, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The self-locking helical gear provides automatic force maintenance through its inherent mechanical property, eliminating the need for additional control systems or continuous motor operation. This single mechanism accomplishes both force application and force maintenance, reducing overall system complexity despite the specialized gear design.
3Loss of energy
If helical gears are used instead of traditional gearing, then energy efficiency improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs helical gears with specific geometric parameters (helix angle, tooth profile) that optimize energy efficiency through smoother engagement and reduced sliding friction. While manufacturing is more complex than spur gears, modern manufacturing techniques and standardized helical gear designs make this complexity manageable while achieving significant energy savings.
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 enables efficient handling of workpieces with stable and energy-saving operation, as the self-locking helical gear ensures maintained gripping force without overheating the drive, allowing for precise control and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Since the last gear stage driving the slide in this device is a self-locking helical gear, the gripping force is maintained without the need for permanent control deflections that overheat the drive.
Implementation Method 2
each toothed rack meshes with a screw wheel. The helical gears are coupled via a gearbox.
Data Source
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AI summary
A gripping/clamping device has at least two slides/carriages (61,62) each supporting a gripping element and each coupled to a rack (71) which is part of a synchronizing gear. Each rack (71) meshes with a helical wheel and the helical wheels are coupled via a gear, the later being part of an electric drive.