Honeycomb Gripper With Laterally Displaceable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers are inefficient in gripping and depositing honeycomb-shaped parts due to the internal cells, which render suction-based gripping ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A gripper with laterally displaceable gripping elements that insert into the internal cells of honeycomb-shaped parts, allowing for pressure-based gripping and deposition on a target surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction-based gripping is used, then dry fibrous material patches can be gripped effectively, but honeycomb-shaped parts cannot be gripped efficiently due to internal cells
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independent gripping elements, each capable of being inserted into individual internal cells of the honeycomb structure. This segmentation allows each element to independently engage with separate cells, providing reliable gripping of honeycomb-shaped parts while maintaining the effectiveness needed for other part types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If gripping elements are inserted into internal cells, then honeycomb-shaped parts can be gripped, but the gripping mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are designed to serve multiple functions: they can be inserted into internal cells of honeycomb-shaped parts for specialized gripping, while also being capable of suction-based gripping for dry fibrous material patches. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate gripping mechanisms for different part types, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Force
If laterally displaceable gripping elements are used, then pressure can be applied against cell wall elements, but the mechanism requires additional actuation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral displacement of gripping elements is achieved through pneumatic or hydraulic actuation systems that apply pressure to deformable gripping surfaces. This allows controlled pressure application against cell wall elements of honeycomb-shaped parts while using well-established actuation technology, thereby managing the complexity increase through standardized components.
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 gripper effectively grips and deposits honeycomb-shaped parts by using laterally displaceable gripping elements that apply pressure against the internal cell walls, overcoming the limitations of suction-based grippers.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable bladder disposed in the internal passage and able to laterally deform, by inflating, outside of the tip
Implementation Method 2
a bladder that is deformable under the action of a differential pressure applied between the bladder and the honeycomb-shaped part, so as to push the bladder laterally against the wall element of internal cells
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper for gripping a honeycomb-shaped part and depositing the part on a target surface includes gripping elements mounted on a support, each of the gripping elements being configured to be inserted into an internal cell of the honeycomb-shaped part. The gripping elements include a gripping surface that is laterally moveable relative to the support so as to come into contact with a side wall element of the internal cell.