Mechanical Grapple for HPP Container Lid Removal and Transfer

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HPP container handling systems face inefficiencies due to the need for separate tools for container movement and lid removal, leading to increased production time, costs, and potential production shutdowns from equipment failure, while occupying valuable space.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical grapple that integrates a gripping and opening mechanism, allowing simultaneous immobilization and lid removal of HPP containers, utilizing a support structure, actuators, and a control unit with sensors and actuators to coordinate the process, enabling efficient handling by an industrial robot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate tools are used for container movement and lid removal, then each tool can be specialized for its function, but production time increases and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional specializationVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the container displacement function and lid removal function into a single integrated tool called the mechanical grapple. The grapple includes a gripping mechanism with fingers that can hold the container body while an opening mechanism with a gripping plate simultaneously removes the lid. This merging eliminates the need to transfer containers between separate tools, thereby reducing production time and increasing efficiency while maintaining functional specialization through dedicated mechanisms for each task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical grapple is designed as a multi-functional tool that can perform both container displacement and lid removal operations. The support structure with holding plates provides container gripping capability, while the integrated opening mechanism with articulated gripping plate provides lid removal capability. This universal tool replaces multiple specialized tools, improving productivity without sacrificing the reliability of specialized functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate tools are used for container movement and lid removal, then each tool can be optimized for its specific task, but the space occupied by multiple tools increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask optimizationVSAvoidspace occupation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the container displacement tool and lid removal tool into a single mechanical grapple, the physical space required for tool installation and operation is significantly reduced. The integrated design allows both functions to be performed from one tool station, freeing up valuable production line space for operators or additional equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of repair

If separate tools are used for container movement and lid removal, then each tool can be independently maintained, but production shutdown risk increases due to equipment failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent maintenanceVSAvoidproduction continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated mechanical grapple performs both container displacement and lid removal in a single coordinated operation. This eliminates the production shutdown risk associated with transferring containers between separate tools, as the lid is removed while the container is still held by the grapple. The coordinated action ensures production continuity even though the tool combines multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If manual lid removal is performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but production time increases and human error risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidproduction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical grapple is equipped with automated mechanisms that perform both container gripping and lid removal without human intervention. The control unit coordinates the gripping mechanism and opening mechanism to work together automatically, eliminating manual operations while maintaining the flexibility needed for different container types through adjustable gripping forces and positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12472633B2Mechanical grapple for high-pressure processing containers and method for handling high-pressure processing containers using said mechanical grapple

Publication Date: 2025.11.18 DESARROLLO DE MÁQUINAS Y SOLUCIONES AUTOMÁTICAS SL (DESMASA)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mechanical grapple for high pressure processing containers and method for handling high pressure processing containers using said mechanical grapple intended to be adapted to an industrial robot, the grip object of the invention comprising a support structure, a control unit, a gripping mechanism and an opening mechanism that receive commands from said control unit so that the HPP container is immobilised through the use of closures by the gripping mechanism that embrace the HPP container, said container being transferable and combined with the action of removing the lid from the container in a coordinated manner through the use of fastening elements that are part of the opening mechanism.