Magnetic Gripper Assembly for Controlled Ferromagnetic Destacking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic grippers face challenges in safely handling ferromagnetic workpieces, particularly in tasks such as destacking and singulating sensitive and unstable workpieces, due to variations in geometry and material properties.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic gripper with a magnetic assembly comprising multiple permanent magnets, a transfer mechanism, and a workpiece contact surface, allowing for controlled switching between gripping and release states, and featuring a handling interface for easy attachment to handling devices, along with a modular design and adjustable magnetic force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple permanent magnets are used in the magnetic assembly, then the gripping force and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic assembly is divided into multiple independent permanent magnets arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing each magnet to contribute to the overall gripping force while enabling selective activation and independent control of different regions of the workpiece contact surface
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic gripper implements dynamic control by selectively activating or deactivating individual permanent magnets or groups of magnets based on the workpiece geometry, material properties, and gripping task requirements, allowing adaptation to different scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If the magnetic gripper is designed for versatile handling of different workpieces, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic gripper is designed with a universal magnetic assembly that can handle various ferromagnetic workpieces including sheets, panels, and 3D objects by controlling the activation state of different magnet groups, eliminating the need for multiple specialized grippers
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the workpiece contact surface can apply different magnetic forces by selectively activating specific permanent magnets, allowing adaptation to local variations in workpiece geometry and material properties
3Reliability
If the magnetic force is increased to securely grip unstable workpieces, then the gripping reliability is improved, but the risk of workpiece damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic force is dynamically adjusted by selectively activating or deactivating individual permanent magnets or groups of magnets, allowing the gripping force to be precisely controlled to match the workpiece weight and fragility, preventing excessive force application
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field strength is controlled by changing the activation state of permanent magnets, enabling precise adjustment of gripping force parameters to securely hold fragile workpieces without causing deformation or damage
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, flexible, and versatile gripping of ferromagnetic workpieces, including sensitive and unstable items, with controlled magnetic force to prevent damage, and facilitates easy integration with handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic assembly consists of a number of permanent magnets, each with a north pole and a south pole... In the gripping state, the magnetic device generates a magnetic field designed to exert a magnetic force on the ferromagnetic workpiece... In the release state, the magnetic device does not generate a magnetic field designed to exert a magnetic force on the ferromagnetic workpiece
Data Source
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AI summary
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 assembly (18), a transfer mechanism (20), and a workpiece contact surface (22). The magnetic assembly (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 mechanism (20) is designed to transfer the magnetic assembly (18) between the gripping state and the release state. The workpiece contact surface (22) is designed to contact the ferromagnetic workpiece (36, 202).