Integrated Linear Rotary Locking Device for End-Effector Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current end-effectors in manufacturing environments require frequent and tedious adjustments for different tasks, leading to inefficiencies and space inefficiencies due to the need for multiple locking devices, which are not easily integrated for simultaneous actuation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated locking device combining both linear and rotary locking mechanisms, mounted on different sides of a housing to reduce device height and enable simultaneous actuation, allowing for quick reconfiguration and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate locking devices are used for linear and rotary operations, then each locking function can be performed independently, but the device height increases and reconfiguration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism into a single integrated locking device. The linear locking mechanism includes a linear actuator and locking fingers, while the rotary locking mechanism includes a rotary actuator and locking lugs, both housed within a common housing. This merging allows both linear and rotary locking functions to be performed simultaneously or independently through a single integrated unit, reducing the overall device height and enabling faster reconfiguration compared to using separate locking devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate locking devices are used, then each locking function can be independently controlled, but the device mass and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated locking device provides multi-functionality by incorporating both linear locking and rotary locking capabilities within a single device. The linear locking mechanism can secure tooling components in linear positions, while the rotary locking mechanism can secure rotational positions. This universal design allows a single device to replace multiple separate locking devices, reducing overall device mass and space requirements while maintaining full adaptability for various tooling reconfiguration needs.
3Reliability
If traditional separate locking mechanisms are used, then each mechanism can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking mechanisms into a single integrated device while maintaining the functional optimization of each mechanism. The linear locking mechanism retains its optimized design with linear actuators and locking fingers for secure linear positioning, while the rotary locking mechanism maintains its optimized design with rotary actuators and locking lugs for secure rotational positioning. By integrating these mechanisms into one device with a common housing and coordinated actuation system, the patent reduces system complexity and setup time while preserving the reliability and locking security of each individual mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated locking device that includes both a linear locking mechanism and a rotary locking mechanism. The locking device includes a housing where the linear locking mechanism and the rotary locking mechanism are mounted to different sides of the housing so as to reduce the height of the device.