Hole-Engaging Gripper for Stable Non-Clamping Object Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping mechanisms for robots are limited in their ability to stably grip objects that are not suitable for clamping, often causing damage or requiring complex modifications to accommodate different shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A gripping device with a first rod-shaped member inserted into a first hole and second rod-shaped members inserted into second holes to prevent rotation, ensuring stable gripping without clamping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a gripping mechanism uses clamping to grip objects, then it can grip many types of objects, but it cannot grip objects that are not suitable for clamping without causing damage or requiring complex modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping capabilityVSAvoiddamage to object

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping mechanism is divided into multiple independent rod-shaped members (first rod-shaped member for positioning, second rod-shaped member for rotation prevention) that can be inserted into separate holes of the object. This segmentation allows each member to perform a specific function without requiring clamping force, thereby avoiding damage to objects that cannot withstand clamping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of gripping the object from the outside by clamping, the invention inserts rod-shaped members into holes of the object from the inside. This inverted approach allows the object itself to provide the gripping interface through its holes, enabling safe gripping of objects that are not suitable for traditional clamping methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping mechanism is modified to grip objects not suitable for clamping, then it can expand the range of grippable objects, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping capabilityVSAvoidgripping mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod-shaped members are designed with universal functionality - the first rod-shaped member can position any object with a first hole, and the second rod-shaped member can prevent rotation in any object with appropriate second holes. This multi-functionality allows a single gripping mechanism design to handle various object shapes and sizes without requiring complex modifications for each object type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention inverts the traditional gripping approach by using the object's own holes as the gripping interface. This allows the gripping mechanism to adapt to different objects without complex modifications - the rods simply need to fit into the respective holes, greatly simplifying the mechanism while expanding versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If rod-shaped members are inserted into holes to grip objects, then clamping damage is avoided, but the object may rotate during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamage to objectVSAvoidrotation prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping function is segmented into two distinct roles: the first rod-shaped member handles positioning by inserting into the first hole, while the second rod-shaped member handles rotation prevention by inserting into the second hole. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring both non-damaging gripping and rotation stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second rod-shaped member acts as an intermediary element that specifically addresses the rotation problem without interfering with the positioning function of the first rod-shaped member. This intermediary component provides rotation prevention while maintaining the non-clamping gripping approach, thus avoiding damage while ensuring stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4714619A1Gripping device

Publication Date: 2026.03.25 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of stably gripping an object when the gripping mechanism is not suitable for gripping the object by sandwiching the object. A gripping device according to the present disclosure is provided with a gripping part that grips an object having a first hole and a second hole. The gripping part is provided with: a first rod-shaped member that positions the object by being inserted into the first hole; and a second rod-shaped member that prevents the object from rotating by being inserted into the second hole (see fig. 4B).