Modular Gripper System with Multi-Axis Adjustable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle body part gripping systems are inflexible and require redesign when the body part evolves, limiting adjustment and repair capabilities, and often necessitate specific complementary parts for proper mounting.
Innovation Solution
A modular gripping system with adjustable structural beams, mooring means, and multi-axis gripping tool support mechanisms, allowing sliding, rotational adjustments of the base and tool holder, enabling quick adaptation to different body part geometries with a minimal number of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gripping system is designed for a specific body part, then the gripping performance is optimized, but the system cannot be adapted when the body part evolves and requires complete redesign
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is divided into modular components: beams with notches, adjustable support means, and gripping tools. Each component can be independently selected and reconfigured, allowing the system to adapt to different body parts without complete redesign. The support means can be detached and repositioned to different notches on the beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The beams are designed with multiple notches at regular intervals that can accommodate various support means positions. The same beam structure can serve multiple body part configurations, making the system universal rather than specific to one body part geometry.
2Ease of operation
If gripping systems use notches at regular intervals for positioning, then mounting is simplified, but the adjustment precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The support means incorporates adjustable elements that can be positioned continuously along the beam length, not just at fixed notches. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise positioning while maintaining ease of operation through simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If gripping systems have limited adjustment capabilities, then the structure remains simple, but complementary parts are needed for proper mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The support means is designed as a universal component that can be mounted on any beam and adjusted to various positions and orientations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for body part-specific complementary mounting parts, as the same support means can accommodate different tool types and positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means is segmented into adjustable components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex mounting configurations using a limited set of standardized parts rather than requiring specific complementary parts for each application.
4Device complexity
If the gripping system uses fixed tool positions, then the design is simpler, but the system cannot adapt to different body part geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The support means incorporates multiple degrees of freedom with adjustable elements that can be positioned independently along different axes. This dynamic configuration allows the tool holder to reach various positions and orientations to accommodate different body part geometries while using a standardized adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means provides adjustment in multiple spatial dimensions: longitudinal position along the beam, lateral position perpendicular to the beam, and rotational orientation. This multi-dimensional adjustability enables geometric adaptation without increasing the fundamental complexity of the adjustment mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
Modular gripper system (1) for a vehicle body work part (PC), of the type comprising at least one structural beam (2), an anchor means (3) for anchoring to a handling robot mounted fixedly on the beam or beams, several griping tools (41; 43) designed to grip the body work part, and several support means (5; 6) for supporting the gripping tools, each one comprising: - a base mounted so that it can be slideably adjusted on the beam and adjusted in rotation about the beam; - a slide mounted so that it can be slideably adjusted with respect to the base; and - a tool holder mounted so that it can be adjusted in rotation on the slide and which holds the relevant gripping tool. The present invention finds an application in the field of lines for pressing and attaching fittings to sheet metal body work parts.