Inductive Sensor for Gripper Jaw Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripper systems in automated handling equipment face accuracy issues due to complex sensor setups and significant play between moving parts, compromising the precision of jaw position detection.
Innovation Solution
A gripper assembly with a fluid-driven actuator and inductive sensor system, where a sensor member with a slot is coupled to cam pins, allowing for precise detection of gripper jaw displacement by measuring changes in electric current through inductor coils, thereby improving accuracy and tolerance to part play.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical proximity sensors or displacement sensors are used to detect jaw position, then jaw position detection is enabled, but sensor accuracy is compromised due to play between moving parts and complex setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical proximity sensors and displacement sensors with an inductive sensing system that uses electromagnetic fields instead of mechanical contact. The inductive sensor detects the position of the inductor (attached to the movable jaw) through electromagnetic induction, eliminating the need for mechanical contact between the sensor and moving parts. This substitution resolves the accuracy issue caused by play between mechanical parts while simplifying the setup process since the inductive sensor has no mechanical alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inductor as an intermediary element that is attached to the movable jaw and works in conjunction with the inductive sensor. This inductor-mediator system allows the sensor to detect jaw position indirectly through electromagnetic field interaction rather than direct mechanical contact, thereby eliminating the accuracy degradation caused by mechanical play while maintaining simple setup procedures.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical sensors are positioned close to moving parts for accurate detection, then measurement capability is improved, but sensitivity to sensor positioning errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive sensing system replaces mechanical sensors that require precise physical positioning with an electromagnetic-based system. The inductive sensor detects the inductor's position through electromagnetic field interaction, which is not sensitive to the sensor's physical positioning or orientation. This eliminates the trade-off between measurement precision and ease of operation, as the system maintains high accuracy without requiring precise sensor positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sensing parameter from mechanical contact or proximity (which depends on precise positioning) to electromagnetic induction (which is insensitive to positioning). By using inductive coupling between the sensor and the inductor, the system achieves measurement precision that is independent of sensor positioning, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If inductive sensor system is implemented, then jaw position detection accuracy is improved and setup is simplified, but additional sensor components are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inductive sensor with the existing gripper actuator assembly by mounting the sensor on the actuator housing and integrating the inductor with the movable jaw mechanism. This merging approach allows the additional sensing components to be incorporated into the existing structure without significantly increasing overall device complexity, while achieving improved measurement precision.
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 inductive sensor system enhances the accuracy of gripper jaw position determination, reducing the impact of play between moving parts and simplifying setup, leading to improved precision in handling work pieces between stations.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes at least one inductor for inductively detecting a proximity of the sensor member
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper assembly includes at least one movable gripper jaw and a sensor member coupled for movement with the at least one gripper jaw. The sensor member includes a slot. A sensor is located at least partially within the slot and includes at least one inductor for inductively detecting a proximity of the sensor member.