Chuck Apparatus with Movable Gripping Sections for Versatile Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chuck apparatuses require multiple units to accommodate workpieces of different shapes, leading to inefficiencies and increased complexity in gripping operations.
Innovation Solution
A chuck apparatus with a gripping mechanism that includes a pair of gripping sections and a driving section, utilizing a gear mechanism and cam mechanism to convert rotary displacement into linear displacement, allowing for independent positioning and fluid-actuated opening/closing operations to adapt to various workpiece shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chuck apparatuses are combined to grip workpieces of different shapes, then the ability to accommodate various workpiece shapes is improved, but the device complexity and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck apparatus incorporates a movable gripping mechanism that can be positioned at different locations along the cylindrical workpiece, enabling a single apparatus to perform multiple gripping functions for different workpiece shapes and sizes. The gripping mechanism includes movable pawls that can engage at various positions, providing universal adaptability without requiring multiple specialized chucks
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic repositioning along the workpiece. The pawls can move radially and axially to adapt to different workpiece geometries, transforming a static single-function device into a dynamic multi-function apparatus that reduces the total number of devices needed
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chuck apparatuses are used for different workpiece shapes, then the gripping capability for various shapes is improved, but the operational steps and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is pre-configured with multiple pawls positioned at different radial and axial locations, ready to engage with various workpiece shapes. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual reconfiguration or selection of different apparatuses, reducing operational steps and time loss while maintaining versatile gripping capability
3Device complexity
If a single chuck apparatus is designed to grip various workpiece shapes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of gripping at desired positions may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping mechanism is segmented into multiple independent pawls, each capable of engaging at specific positions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable gripping at desired positions by selecting the appropriate pawl for the specific workpiece geometry, while still providing the versatility of a single apparatus through the coordinated action of multiple segmented elements
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 reliable gripping of workpieces at desired positions with reduced operational steps and equipment complexity, allowing a single chuck apparatus to handle diverse shapes efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid acting on a piston 14 to generate a pushing force
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a gear mechanism and cam mechanism to convert rotary displacement into linear displacement
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of gripping sections performs opening and closing operations along a base member through displacement of a piston by means of a pressure fluid supplied to a chuck body. A pair of fingers, which constitute the gripping sections, is openable and closable in directions perpendicular to opening/closing directions of the gripping sections, by means of a driving force supplied from a driving section. The gripping sections are positioned with respect to a workpiece by actuating the pair of fingers to perform the opening/closing operation. Thereafter, by supplying the pressure fluid, the workpiece is gripped at a desired gripping position by means of the gripping sections.