Hydraulic Clamp Pressure Gradient for Variable-Size Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift systems fail to adjust clamping pressure according to the size and dimensions of articles, risking damage to smaller articles with excessive pressure and requiring higher pressure for larger articles.

Innovation Solution

A clamp device with gripper arms that can rotate and adjust clamping pressure based on their position, using actuators and accumulators to create a continuous pressure gradient, allowing for safe handling of various article sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a predetermined constant clamping pressure is applied, then larger articles can be lifted, but smaller articles are prone to warping and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping pressureVSAvoidarticle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp device transitions from a static constant pressure system to a dynamic pressure system where the clamping pressure continuously varies based on the gripper arm position. The actuating system adjusts pressure in accordance with the article size and position, applying lower pressure for smaller articles and higher pressure for larger articles, thereby preventing damage while ensuring adequate grip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameter from a fixed constant value to a variable value that depends on gripper arm position and article characteristics. The control system modifies the clamping pressure parameter dynamically during the gripping process, allowing optimization for different article sizes and preventing both damage to small articles and insufficient grip on large articles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If higher clamping pressure is applied to lift larger articles, then lifting capability is improved, but smaller articles are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting capabilityVSAvoidarticle damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts clamping pressure based on real-time gripper arm position and article detection, enabling the same clamp device to handle both small and large articles appropriately. The pressure increases progressively as the gripper closes on larger articles while maintaining lower pressure for smaller articles, thus preserving both lifting capability and article integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor gripper arm position and article characteristics, using this information to continuously adjust the clamping pressure. This closed-loop control ensures that the pressure applied is always appropriate for the current situation, preventing damage to small articles while maintaining sufficient grip strength for larger articles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Force

If manual activation with hydraulic cylinders is used, then clamping pressure can be applied, but pressure adjustment according to article size is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclamping pressureVSAvoidpressure adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the purely manual hydraulic activation system with an automated actuating system that incorporates sensors, control logic, and automated pressure regulation. This substitution enables the system to automatically detect article characteristics and adjust clamping pressure accordingly, providing both the mechanical force capability and the adaptability to different article sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp device performs self-adjustment of clamping pressure based on its own position sensors and article detection capabilities, without requiring manual intervention for pressure setting. The system serves itself by automatically determining the appropriate pressure level based on gripper arm position and article characteristics, eliminating the need for manual pressure adjustment while maintaining both force capability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 clamp device minimizes article damage by adjusting pressure continuously, ensuring safe handling of both small and large items through flexible clamping pressure control.

Implementation Method 1

The gripper arms can be manually activated by pumping oil into hydraulic cylinders connected to the gripper arms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

using actuators and accumulators to create a continuous pressure gradient

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic accumulator: Hydraulic Accumulator

Data Source

PatentUS12559354B2Clamp device and a mobile lift system with the clamp device

Publication Date: 2026.02.24 LOGITRANS AS

AI summary

A clamp device for a mobile lift system and a mobile lift system is provided, where the clamp device has a supporting part and two gripper arms movably connected to the supporting part. An actuating system is arranged on the supporting part, where an actuator is connected to each of the gripper arms. The actuators functions as a main cylinder and a slave cylinder respectively. At least one accumulator is connected to the slave cylinder where the accumulator creates an opposing pressure as a result of the gripper arms' position.