Moveable Gripper Heating With Dynamic Contact Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heating systems, such as microwave and induction heaters, face limitations in heating materials in containers of varying sizes, shapes, and materials, with microwave heaters unable to heat metal containers and induction heaters requiring specific equipment and conductive materials.
Innovation Solution
A moveable gripper system with a flexible inner sleeve and adjustable opening, dynamically controlled by a controller to maximize thermal contact and minimize air gaps, allowing heat transfer to containers of any material, including metal, through a gripper sub-assembly that can grip and agitate containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If microwave heating is used to heat container contents, then heating speed is improved, but metal containers cannot be heated due to radiation shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heating element that acts as an intermediary between the power source and the container contents. This heating element directly contacts the container exterior and transfers heat through the container wall to the contents, bypassing the need for microwave radiation to penetrate the container. This mediator approach enables heating of metal containers while maintaining fast heating speeds.
2Loss of energy
If induction heating is used to heat container contents, then heating efficiency is improved, but only conductive containers can be heated requiring specific equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is designed with a universal heating element that can effectively heat containers made of various materials including metal, glass, and plastic. The system achieves this by using a heating element that directly contacts the container exterior and transfers heat through conduction and convection, making the heating mechanism adaptable to different container materials without requiring material-specific equipment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If thermal contact between gripper and container is increased to improve heat transfer, then heat distribution evenness is improved, but container damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper system employs dynamic control of gripping force, adjusting the contact pressure between the gripper and container based on real-time feedback. This dynamic adjustment ensures sufficient thermal contact for even heat distribution while preventing excessive force that could damage the container. The system continuously monitors and adapts the gripping force to maintain optimal thermal contact without causing harm.
4Loss of energy
If air gaps at the gripper-container interface are reduced to improve thermal contact, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but gripping force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts gripping force to minimize air gaps at the gripper-container interface, improving thermal contact and heat transfer efficiency. By using feedback control, the system applies just enough force to eliminate harmful air gaps while avoiding excessive gripping force that would increase energy consumption and potential container damage.
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 efficient and even heat distribution across containers of various materials and shapes by maximizing thermal contact points and minimizing air gaps, preventing damage and ensuring heat transfer below material limits.
Implementation Method 1
deliver heat to the contents of the container by dynamically controlling thermal contact and heat settings at or near the interface between the moveable gripper and the container
Implementation Method 2
The controller controls the mechanical energy source mechanism to transfer to the moveable gripper element a gripping force configured to move the moveable outer sleeve, reduce a size of the adjustable opening, and bring the flexible inner sleeve into an initial level of thermal contact with a container
Implementation Method 3
A sensor network is communicatively coupled to the moveable gripper
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus that includes a moveable gripper element including a flexible inner sleeve. A mechanical energy source mechanism is communicatively coupled to the moveable gripper element, and a sensor network is communicatively coupled to the moveable gripper. A controller is communicatively coupled to the mechanical energy source mechanism and the sensor network. The flexible inner sleeve defines an adjustable opening. The controller controls the mechanical energy source mechanism to transfer to the moveable gripper element a gripping force configured to move the moveable outer sleeve, reduce a size of the adjustable opening, and bring the flexible inner sleeve into an initial level of thermal contact with a container positioned within the adjustable opening. The controller is configured to, subsequent to establishing the initial level of thermal contact, control the mechanical energy source mechanism to make adjustments to the gripping force.