Spring-Locked Jaw Exchange System for Handling Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing jaw changing systems for handling devices lack simplicity and reliability in adapter changing mechanisms, often requiring external energy sources and complex actuation methods.
Innovation Solution
A jaw changing system with a locking bolt that can be displaced along an x-axis between locking and release positions, utilizing a spring mechanism for automatic locking and a magazine system for easy adapter insertion and removal, allowing for quick and easy assembly and disassembly without the need for electrical or pneumatic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism with spring element and locking bolt is used, then reliability of adapter connection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking bolt is designed to be automatically actuated by the magazine's actuating element during adapter insertion. The spring element automatically returns the locking bolt to the locked position after actuation, enabling self-service locking without external energy sources or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanical mechanism (locking bolt with spring) that can be independently actuated by the magazine. This separates the locking function from the adapter itself, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual operation is enabled for simplicity, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to accommodate both manual operation (by directly moving the locking bolt) and automated operation (by the magazine's actuating element). This multi-functionality allows the same mechanism to serve both ease of operation and productivity requirements depending on the application context.
3Ease of operation
If spring element is used for automatic locking, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that stores energy temporarily during the locking operation. This disposable-like approach uses a low-cost, short-duration energy storage solution rather than requiring continuous external energy supply, achieving automatic locking with minimal energy investment.
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
Enables quick, easy, and functionally reliable adapter changing with manual or automated actuation, ensuring secure locking and unlocking without external energy, facilitating efficient use in various handling devices and processing machines.
Implementation Method 1
The exchange head and/or the adapter has at least one spring element which forces the at least one locking bolt into the locking position so that, without external energy input, the adapter is always connected to the exchange head
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~1d
Figure 2a~2b
AI summary
The invention relates to a jaw exchange system (10, 100), in particular for the detachable arrangement of gripping jaws (12) on handling devices (14, 98), comprising an exchange head (20, 106), an adapter (18, 108, 160) attachable to the exchange head (20, 106), and a magazine (16, 110) for receiving the adapter (18, 108, 160), wherein the exchange head (20, 106) or the adapter (18, 108, 160) has at least one locking bolt (30) which is displaceable along an x-axis between an inner release position and an outer locking position, wherein the exchange head (20, 106) is detachable from the adapter (18, 108, 160) in the release position and is locked to the adapter (18, 108, 160) in the locking position. 160) can be locked by means of the at least one locking bolt (30), wherein the interchangeable head (20, 106) or the adapter (18, 108, 160) has at least one spring means (38) which forces the at least one locking bolt (30) into the locking position,wherein the adapter (18, 108, 160) can be inserted perpendicular to the x-axis along a y-axis into the magazine (16, 110) into a magazine position, wherein the magazine (16, 110) has at least one actuating element (44, 112) extending along the y-axis which, in the magazine position, forces the at least one locking bolt (30) out of the locked position into the release position against the spring force of the spring element (36).