Modular Gripper with Extendable Screw Rods for Adjustable Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripper structures have a fixed stroke range, requiring redesign of screw rods and fixing plates for longer stroke operations, limiting their versatility and adaptability to different tasks.
Innovation Solution
A modular gripper design featuring extendable screw rods, extension screws, and linear rails, allowing for adjustable stroke length without redesigning the existing components, utilizing a concentric connection and sliding blocks for synchronized movement of nuts and clamping elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the screw rod length is extended to increase stroke range, then the working stroke is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase due to redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The screw rod is divided into a first screw rod and a second screw rod that can be detachably connected. The first screw rod connects to the nut, and the second screw rod extends from the first screw rod to increase the overall length. This segmentation allows the stroke range to be extended without redesigning the entire screw rod structure, as the additional second screw rod can be added modularly.
Solution Approach 2:
The second screw rod is nested on the first screw rod in a concentric arrangement, with the second screw rod extending from the end of the first screw rod. This nested configuration allows the extended length to be achieved while maintaining a compact structure and avoiding the need for complete redesign of the original screw rod assembly.
2Length of moving object
If the fixing plate is redesigned to accommodate longer stroke operations, then the stroke range is improved, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing plate structure is segmented into a first fixing plate and a second fixing plate. The second fixing plate is detachably connected to the first fixing plate, allowing the overall fixing plate assembly to be extended without redesigning the original first fixing plate. This enables longer stroke operations while avoiding complete redesign and reducing manufacturing time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If extension components are added to increase stroke length, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second screw rods, as well as the first and second fixing plates, are designed with universal connection interfaces that allow them to be detachably connected. This universal design enables the same components to serve multiple functions - they can be used individually for shorter strokes or combined for longer strokes, providing adjustability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the first and second screw rods, and between the first and second fixing plates, is designed to be detachable and adjustable. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its length according to operational requirements, providing versatility while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized connection mechanisms.
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 flexible and adjustable clamping operations across various stroke lengths without the need for structural redesign, enhancing the gripper's versatility and application diversity.
Implementation Method 1
When the motors are rotated to drive the belts, the belts further drive the screw rods to rotate
Implementation Method 2
By the rotation of the screw rods arranged on both sides, the nuts drive the clamping bases on both sides to move
Implementation Method 3
the nuts sleeved on the left-handed screw rod and the right-handed screw rod are connected to the linear rails through the sliding block as an adapter plate, so that the clamping element is smoothly moved left and right synchronously with the nut
Data Source
AI summary
A modular gripper is disclosed and includes a main fixing plate, a driving module, two screw rods, two extension plates, two extension screws and two nuts. The two screw rods are arranged concentrically in the first direction, connected to the driving module, and driven by the driving module to rotate. The two extension plates are detachably docked to two sides of the main fixing plate through connection elements. The two extension screws are connected to the two screw rods, respectively. Threads of the two extension screws are continuously connected with threads of the two screw rods. The two nuts are sleeved on the two screw rods, respectively. When the two screw rods and the two extension screws are driven by the driving module to rotate synchronously, the two nuts are allowed to displace relative to the two screw rods and the two extension screws, to achieve a clamping operation.