Manipulator Gripper With Adjustable Positions for Article Pitches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing clamping and gripping devices for manipulators are cumbersome to adapt to articles with different relative distances, pitches, geometries, or dimensions, requiring complete replacement, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A clamping and gripping device with at least two clamping and gripping elements, designed for joint receipt of articles, featuring reversibly elastically deformable contact areas and multiple fastening positions, allowing easy manual adjustment and securement without tools, and optionally using intermediate pieces and securing mechanisms for quick adaptation to varying article geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire gripping device is replaced to handle articles with different relative distances or geometries, then the device can be adapted to new article configurations, but the adaptation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different article configurationsVSAvoidtime for device replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is segmented into a carrier component and multiple detachable gripping elements. The gripping elements can be independently removed and replaced on the carrier component, allowing rapid reconfiguration without replacing the entire device. This segmentation enables quick adaptation to different article configurations by simply changing the gripping elements or their positions on the carrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier component is designed with multiple fastening positions that allow the gripping elements to be dynamically repositioned along the carrier. This dynamic repositioning capability enables the device to adapt to different article pitches and geometries by adjusting the position of gripping elements on the carrier, rather than requiring complete device replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire gripping device is replaced to handle articles with different geometries or dimensions, then the device can be optimized for specific article types, but the replacement process is labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different article geometriesVSAvoidease of device replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is divided into a carrier component and detachable gripping elements. The gripping elements are designed to be easily removed and reattached to the carrier component through simple fastening mechanisms. This segmentation makes the adaptation process straightforward and labor-light, as operators only need to detach and reattach individual gripping elements rather than replacing the entire device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier component is designed as a universal base with multiple fastening positions that can accommodate different gripping elements for various article types. This universal carrier design allows the same carrier to be used with different gripping elements, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the adaptation process for different article geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gripping elements are provided on a carrier component with multiple fastening positions, then the device can be easily adapted to different articles, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying article pitchesVSAvoidcomplexity of carrier component
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier component is designed as a universal structure with multiple fastening positions that can accommodate different gripping elements and configurations. This universal design achieves adaptability to varying article pitches and geometries through a standardized carrier structure, avoiding the need for multiple specialized carriers and thereby controlling overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 easy and economical conversion of the clamping and gripping device to handle different articles by allowing manual adjustment of clamping elements at various fastening positions, reducing the need for complete device replacement and enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A locking mechanism, which acts on the bolt, is provided for positive holding of the bolt in the groove

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3431422B1Gripper device for a manipulator and a method for equipping a gripping device for a manipulator
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KRONES AG
  • EP3431422B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3431422B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3431422B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a clamping and/or gripping device (1) for a manipulator, designed for receiving articles. The clamping and/or gripping device (1) comprises at least two clamping and/or gripping elements (5a, 5b), each arranged in a suspended position, which cooperate to temporarily receive one or more articles. The clamping and/or gripping device (1) provides several different mounting positions for the at least two clamping and/or gripping elements (5a, 5b), at which the at least two clamping and/or gripping elements (5a, 5b) can be selectively and detachably fixed in place, adapted to a specific number and/or design of articles to be received.