Movable Gripper Retaining Elements for Misaligned Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing machining devices for motor vehicle parts require precise alignment between support struts to grip the parts accurately, limiting their ability to handle parts that are not exactly aligned.
Innovation Solution
The machining device features grippers with independently actuatable retaining elements that can move obliquely to grip the part securely, forming a V-shaped or concave receiving area, allowing for secure holding regardless of precise alignment, and includes pneumatic drive units for adjustable force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grippers with fixed contact surfaces are used, then the structure is simple, but the part must be precisely aligned between support struts which limits handling flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces are made movable relative to the gripper body through drive units, allowing dynamic adjustment of the contact surface position and angle to adapt to different part positions and orientations, thereby improving handling flexibility without requiring precise pre-alignment
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper is divided into multiple independent components: the gripper body, movable contact surfaces, and drive units. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling the contact surfaces to adjust while keeping the overall structure manageable
2Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment of parts between support struts is required, then gripping accuracy is improved, but processing speed decreases due to complex alignment procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The movable contact surfaces can dynamically adjust their position and orientation during the gripping process, automatically compensating for misalignment between the part and support struts. This eliminates the need for time-consuming manual alignment procedures while maintaining high gripping accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper system performs self-alignment through the automatic adjustment of contact surfaces driven by the drive units. The system detects misalignment and compensates for it autonomously without requiring external intervention or complex alignment procedures, thereby increasing processing speed
3Adaptability or versatility
If movable contact surfaces with drive units are implemented, then tolerance for misaligned parts is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact surfaces are equipped with drive units that enable them to move and adjust their position dynamically. This dynamic capability allows the gripper to accommodate misaligned parts by automatically repositioning the contact surfaces to maintain proper gripping geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The movable contact surface mechanism serves multiple functions: it adjusts to misaligned parts, maintains gripping force, and adapts to different part geometries. This multi-functionality enhances tolerance for misalignment while the modular design keeps the added complexity manageable
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
This design enhances the tolerance for misaligned parts, simplifies the handling process, and increases processing speed by eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures, while ensuring secure gripping without damaging the parts.
Implementation Method 1
Each driving unit is configured and controlled such that the holding elements are pressed by means of the contact surfaces with a defined maximum force against the motor vehicle part
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a machining device (10) for machining a motor vehicle part (16), comprising a holding device (20) containing at least two spaced-apart support struts (26, 28) on each of which at least one gripper (30, 32, 34) is mounted, wherein the grippers (30, 32, 34) of the two support struts (26, 28) point towards each other in order to hold a motor vehicle part (16) between them, and the machining device further comprising at least one machining machine arranged between the support struts (26, 28) for machining the motor vehicle part (16). The grippers have at least two holding elements (62, 64, 65) that are independently movable along a direction of movement (x), each having a contact surface (70a, 70b) extending obliquely to the direction of movement (x) for bearing against the motor vehicle part (16).The contact surfaces of adjacent holding elements (62, 64, 65) are arranged side by side and oriented in opposite directions, such that a V-shaped or concave receiving area (71) is formed between the contact surfaces of adjacent holding elements. Each gripper has at least two drive units (74a, 74b) for independently moving the adjacently arranged holding elements (62, 64, 65) in the direction of movement (x), and each drive unit (74a, 74b) is designed or controllable such that the holding elements (62, 64, 65) can be pressed against the vehicle part (16) with a defined maximum force by means of the contact surfaces (70a, 70b).