Magnetic Gripping Head for Variable-Position Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping systems for magnetic components, particularly in motor vehicles' electronic systems, face challenges in reliably gripping components with variable positioning on a continuous support strip at high speeds without applying excessive mechanical stress, leading to increased scrap rates and costs.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a gripping system with a vertically lowering gripping head that uses a magnetic pad to adhere to the component, allowing for correct grip even with significant positional dispersion, and includes a preliminary laser detection and lateral positioning for precise placement, enabling high-speed reliable workstation supply with adaptable gripping for various component shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical gripping methods are used to grip magnetic components on a continuous strip, then gripping force can be applied, but excessive mechanical stress is applied to components with variable positioning, leading to increased scrap rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gripping systems with a magnetic field-based gripping system. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field that attracts magnetic components onto a support strip, eliminating the need for mechanical clamps or grippers that would apply excessive localized stress. The magnetic field distributes the gripping force uniformly across the entire component surface, preventing damage while maintaining secure holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the magnetic property parameter of the components to achieve gripping. By changing the physical state from mechanical contact to magnetic field interaction, the system can grip components with variable positioning without applying damaging mechanical stress. The magnetic field strength can be adjusted to match the specific magnetic properties of different components.
2Reliability
If traditional gripping systems are used, then components can be held, but they cannot adequately handle significant dispersion in component positioning on the support strip
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based gripping system replaces mechanical positioning systems. Instead of requiring precise mechanical alignment, the magnetic field naturally adapts to components at various positions on the strip. The field extends across the support strip width, allowing components with significant positioning dispersion to be reliably attracted and held in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnet serves multiple functions: it generates a magnetic field that spans the support strip, attracts magnetic components regardless of their position, and can be activated or deactivated to control gripping. This universal approach handles various component positions and types without requiring adjustment or repositioning mechanisms.
3Productivity
If high-speed processing is implemented, then productivity increases, but gripping reliability decreases due to variable component positioning and excessive stress
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based gripping system enables high-speed processing by eliminating complex mechanical positioning and adjustment mechanisms. The electromagnet can be rapidly activated and deactivated, and the magnetic field instantly adapts to component positions, allowing high-speed operation without compromising gripping reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field provides continuous gripping action across the entire support strip width, allowing components to be processed continuously as they move along the strip. The electromagnet maintains a constant magnetic field during operation, ensuring reliable gripping throughout the high-speed processing cycle without interruption or adjustment.
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
The solution ensures consistent and secure gripping of magnetic components with reduced mechanical stress, enabling high-speed processing and adaptability to different component shapes, thereby minimizing scrap rates and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a change of state of an actuator which lowers a pad having a magnetic base coming onto the positioning shape by adhering to the part of the magnetic body of the component
Implementation Method 2
the process activates an electromagnet forming the actuator, to raise or lower the block
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for gripping at least one component (6) comprising at least one part of a magnetic body, this method comprising successively a substantially vertical descent step of a lower positioning form (20) of a gripping head (14), fitting onto the part of the magnetic body of the component (6), then a change of state of an actuator which lowers a pad (18) having a magnetic base coming onto the positioning form (20) by adhering to the part of the magnetic body of the component (6), then an ascent and movement of the gripping head (14).