Magnetic Gripper With Adjustable Force for Delicate Ferromagnetic Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic grippers struggle to securely grip ferromagnetic workpieces, particularly delicate or sensitive items, and often require complex tool-based attachments, limiting their versatility and efficiency in handling tasks.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic gripper design featuring multiple permanent magnets with controlled transfer between gripping and release states, a handling interface for tool-free attachment, and a modular system with adjustable magnetic force, allowing secure and flexible handling of ferromagnetic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple permanent magnets are used to increase gripping force, then the gripping security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic apparatus is divided into multiple independent permanent magnets that can be individually controlled. Each magnet can be switched between gripping and release states independently, allowing the system to achieve secure gripping through coordinated action of multiple segments while maintaining manageable complexity through modular control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the magnetic apparatus by switching between gripping and release states. The transfer apparatus enables the magnetic apparatus to change its configuration dynamically, allowing the system to adapt its gripping force and configuration based on the specific workpiece and task requirements
2Reliability
If magnetic force is increased to grip delicate workpieces securely, then gripping security is improved, but the risk of damaging the workpiece increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the magnetic force by controlling which permanent magnets are in the gripping state and which are in the release state. This enables the magnetic gripper to adapt the total gripping force to match the requirements of different workpieces, providing sufficient force for secure gripping while avoiding excessive force that could damage delicate items
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic field parameters by selectively activating different permanent magnets. By controlling the number and arrangement of active magnets, the system can adjust the magnetic force parameter to match the specific requirements of different workpieces, ensuring secure gripping without causing damage
3Ease of operation
If a transfer apparatus is added to enable controlled switching between states, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer apparatus serves multiple functions: it controls the switching between gripping and release states, positions the magnetic apparatus correctly, and enables adaptive control for different workpiece types. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive control capability
4Ease of operation
If the magnetic gripper is designed for tool-free attachment, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The handling interface uses a spring mechanism that provides dynamic adaptation to accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The spring can compress and expand to compensate for variations in alignment and positioning, allowing tool-free attachment while reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements
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 secure, tool-free, and adaptable gripping of ferromagnetic workpieces, including delicate items, with controlled magnetic force and reduced risk of damage, facilitating efficient handling and manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic apparatus (18) is designed to generate a magnetic field, which is designed to apply to the ferromagnetic workpiece (36) a magnetic force that is directed onto the workpiece contact surface (22)
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic apparatus (18) is designed to generate a magnetic field, which is designed to apply to the ferromagnetic workpiece (36) a magnetic force
Implementation Method 3
The magnetic apparatus (18) is formed from a number of permanent magnets (26), each with a north pole and a south pole
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic gripper (10, 104, 106, 204, 206) for gripping a ferromagnetic workpiece (36, 202). The magnetic gripper (10, 104, 106, 204, 206) has a magnetic apparatus (18), a transfer apparatus (20) and a workpiece contact surface (22). The magnetic apparatus (18) is formed from a number of permanent magnets (26) with a north pole and a south pole and can be transferred between a gripping state for gripping the ferromagnetic workpiece (36, 202) and a release state for releasing the ferromagnetic workpiece (36, 202). The transfer apparatus (20) is designed to transfer the magnetic apparatus (18) between the gripping state and the release state. The workpiece contact surface (22) is designed to contact the ferromagnetic workpiece (36, 202).