Quick Release Locking Base for Container Gripper Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing product gripper structures on conveyor chains tend to bend and twist when gripping larger and heavier container products, leading to instability and incorrect positioning during processing operations.
Innovation Solution
A quick release locking structure is integrated at the mid-section of the gripper base and body, enhancing connection strength and stability using a molded polymeric material with a cooperating quick disconnect coupling, preventing lateral and vertical movement between the base and gripper body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If larger and heavier container products are gripped using conventional base plate structures, then the gripper can handle more substantial products, but the gripper body tends to bend and twist causing instability and incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper base is divided into multiple segments: a base plate, a locking base, and a body support structure. The locking base includes separate locking arms that can independently engage with the body, allowing the structure to be segmented into functional zones that distribute the load and prevent bending and twisting of the entire gripper body.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism serves as an intermediary element between the base plate and the gripper body. This locking mechanism includes locking arms that extend from the base plate to engage with the body, creating a stable intermediate connection that prevents direct bending and twisting forces from compromising the gripper's stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripper body is made elongated to accommodate larger containers, then more container types can be handled, but the gripper body becomes more prone to bending and twisting
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated gripper body is supported by a segmented base structure with multiple locking arms distributed along the length of the body. This segmentation allows the base to provide localized support at multiple points along the elongated body, preventing bending and twisting while maintaining the elongated configuration needed for versatile container handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism provides localized reinforcement at specific points along the elongated gripper body. The locking arms engage with the body at strategic locations to provide targeted support where bending and twisting are most likely to occur, allowing the overall body to remain elongated for versatility while maintaining stability through localized reinforcement.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a strong connection between base and body is implemented, then structural stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates dynamic elements that allow the locking arms to move between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic capability enables the connection to adapt to different operational states while maintaining strong stability when locked, balancing the need for secure connection with operational flexibility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to engage automatically when the gripper body is positioned over the base plate, utilizing the relative motion between the two components to trigger the locking action. This self-locking feature provides strong connection stability without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A container gripping device for use on machines which are used for filling, capping, sterilizing, or the like containers, particularly fluid containers such as plastic bottles, wherein the device has a base adapted for attachment to a conveyor like chain, and has a container gripping body mounted on the base, and wherein the base and body have cooperating elements of a quick release locking structure for stabilizing the mounting and configuration of lengthy gripper bodies on gripper bases.