Holding Tool with Gravity-Assisted Gripping Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for attaching edge protection to packages during strapping processes lack an efficient and simple mechanism for securely holding the edge protection, especially for pressure-sensitive packages that protrude beyond the pallet surface, often resulting in damage from strapping materials.
Innovation Solution
A holding tool with U-shaped receptacles and pivotable gripping elements, where the edge protection is held between a contact surface and a gripping element that can pivot, with a pivot stop to limit movement, allowing for easy insertion and secure clamping without active clamping elements, utilizing spring force for passive control and gravity-assisted pivoting to maintain the edge protection in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active clamping elements are used to hold the edge protection, then the holding reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element utilizes its own weight and gravity to automatically clamp the edge protection onto the holding tool during insertion, and automatically releases it during removal. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for externally controlled active clamping elements, achieving reliable holding without increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping element is designed to be movable relative to the holding tool, transitioning between a clamping position (during insertion and holding) and a release position (during removal). This dynamic design allows the same mechanism to serve both holding and releasing functions without requiring separate active control systems
2Ease of operation
If a simple U-shaped receptacle is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the holding reliability under difficult conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped receptacle is segmented into a stationary first leg (forming the contact surface) and a movable second leg (gripping element). This segmentation allows the structure to maintain the simplicity of a U-shape for easy insertion, while the movable segment provides additional clamping force through gravity and weight to ensure reliable holding under difficult conditions
3Device complexity
If the gripping element is fixed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for easy release deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element is designed to be movable relative to the holding tool, allowing it to transition between a clamping position (for secure holding) and a release position (for easy removal). This dynamic design enables the same simple structure to adapt to both holding and releasing requirements without adding complexity
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
The solution provides a reliable, easy-to-handle device that securely attaches edge protection to packages, ensuring protection from strapping damage and simplifying the attachment process, even under difficult conditions, by using a combination of spring-loaded and gravity-assisted mechanisms to maintain the edge protection in place.
Implementation Method 1
When the end effector is spring-loaded in a substantially upright position with respect to the abutment surface to hold the edge protector between the abutment surface and the end effector
Implementation Method 2
it is provided that the axis is arranged eccentrically horizontally to the packing table, so that the gripping element is given a pivoting direction by gravity
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a strapping unit frame through which a strapping unit is guided. A mounting device is attached between a package and a strapping unit for mounting an edge protection unit to the package. The mounting device protects the package against damages by the strapping unit. The package is moved optionally with a package carrier by the device. The mounting device is formed by a carriage (10), which is more movable by a drive at a pack desk and/or a cover- and/or press plate. The carriage comprises a holding tool (12) for arrangement of the edge protection unit.