Modular Gripping Device With Rotating Coupling Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping or clamping devices lack the ability to provide precise and safe gripping while being universally applicable, often requiring additional components for braking, locking, or synchronization.

Innovation Solution

A gripping or clamping device with a base housing, movable base jaws coupled to working pistons, and a connecting section that allows for manipulation and synchronization of the base jaws via a functional mechanism, enabling flexible use across various applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional components (braking unit, locking unit, synchronization unit) are integrated into the gripping device, then precise and safe gripping is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecise and safe grippingVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is divided into a base unit (housing, base jaws, working pistons) and separate functional units (braking, locking, synchronization) that can be independently selected and attached. The coupling member serves as an interface that connects different functional units to the base unit, allowing precise gripping without permanently increasing base device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling member is designed as a universal interface that can connect to multiple types of functional units (braking unit, locking unit, synchronization unit, measuring unit). This multi-functional coupling interface allows a single base gripping device to achieve precise and safe gripping through various functional additions without requiring separate device designs for each function.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gripping device is designed for universal use with different functional mechanisms, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal useVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple types of functional mechanisms (braking, locking, synchronization, measuring units). This universal coupling interface enables the base gripping device to be adapted to different applications by simply changing the functional unit attached to the coupling member, achieving versatility without increasing base device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device is designed with dynamic configurability through the coupling member, which allows functional units to be added or removed based on specific application requirements. This dynamic adaptation enables universal use while keeping the base device simple, as complexity is added only when and where needed through optional functional attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the connecting section is made accessible from outside the base housing, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting section of the coupling member is extracted from the interior of the base housing and made accessible from outside. This allows functional units to be connected or disconnected from the exterior without disassembling the base housing, significantly improving ease of operation. The opening in the base housing provides external access to the coupling interface while maintaining the structural integrity of the base unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If coupling members are made interchangeable and easily replaceable, then adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterchangeabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling member is designed with a standardized interface that serves as a universal connection point for different functional units. This standardization enables interchangeable coupling members to be manufactured using common components and assembly procedures, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the ability to swap different functional units. The receptacle and coupling member interface are designed for simple assembly and replacement.

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

The device achieves precise and safe gripping with universal applicability, allowing for different functional mechanisms to be easily integrated, enhancing flexibility and usability.

Implementation Method 1

The working piston is movable, in particular, within a working cylinder and defines a working pressure chamber, so that the base jaws are moved when pressure is applied to the working pressure chamber.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Data Source

PatentEP3700720B1Gripping or clamping device, associated functional mechanism and associated modular system
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 SCHUNK GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3700720B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3700720B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3700720B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a gripping or clamping device (10) comprising a base housing, at least one base jaw and preferably two base jaws (16) that can be moved towards one another and away from one another, wherein the at least one base jaw (16) is coupled for movement to at least one working piston (14) limiting a working pressure chamber (50, 52), characterised in that the working piston (14) has a coupling section (26), and in that a coupling member (30), having a connection section (36) for connecting to a functional mechanism (60), is provided, which is coupled for movement to the coupling section (26) and arranged such that it can rotate about an axis of rotation (22).