Multi-Electromagnet Tool Gripper for Collision-Free Pickup
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for picking up tools with magnetizable materials from storage shafts often result in collisions due to misalignment of the gripping face and electromagnet plane, leading to tool damage and frequent replacement.
Innovation Solution
A gripping group with multiple electromagnets and a data control unit that can independently generate magnetic fields based on region-specific signals, allowing for precise attraction and orientation of tools without changing their attitude on the shaft, and includes sensors and air flow devices for safe separation and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electromagnet is used to pick up the tool, then the tool can be attracted to the electromagnet, but the tool collides with adjacent tools due to misalignment between the gripping face and electromagnet plane
Solution Approach 1:
The single electromagnet is divided into multiple electromagnets (at least two) arranged in a matrix pattern on the gripping plane. Each electromagnet can be independently controlled to attract specific regions of the tool, enabling precise positioning and alignment without causing collision with adjacent tools.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the tool are attracted by different electromagnets based on their spatial positions. The magnetic field is distributed locally across multiple electromagnets rather than concentrated in a single point, allowing the tool to be attracted uniformly across its gripping face while maintaining proper alignment.
2Productivity
If the electromagnet is positioned to attract the tool, then the tool is picked up, but the tool changes its attitude on the shaft causing collision with adjacent tools
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is attracted to the electromagnet while maintaining its original attitude on the shaft. The magnetic attraction force is applied in such a way that it pulls the tool horizontally toward the electromagnet without causing rotational movement or attitude change that would lead to collision with adjacent tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic field distribution is dynamically controlled through independent activation of multiple electromagnets. This dynamic control allows the tool to be attracted smoothly while maintaining its attitude, preventing collision during the picking process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping plane is not perfectly parallel to the vertical plane, then the electromagnet can still attract the tool, but misalignment causes collision between tools
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping plane is segmented into multiple independently controllable electromagnets arranged in a matrix. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate angular misalignment between the gripping plane and vertical plane by selectively activating electromagnets that compensate for the angle difference, preventing tool collision.
Solution Approach 2:
The problem is solved by transitioning from a single-point attraction to a distributed two-dimensional matrix of electromagnets. This dimensional expansion allows compensation for angular misalignment by adjusting the magnetic field distribution across the matrix, enabling reliable tool picking even when the gripping plane is not perfectly parallel to the vertical plane.
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 solution effectively prevents tool collisions and damage by enabling precise and controlled picking up of tools, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintaining tool quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electromagnets, supported by said at least one support element, at said first face thereof, and placed thereon in such a way as to delimit at least one gripping plane at exposed ends thereof configured to generate one respective magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
at least two electromagnets, supported by said at least one support element
Implementation Method 3
when said at least one gripping plane is directed toward the gripping face of said tool each one of the least two electromagnets is configured to be placed at one respective region of said plurality of regions of said gripping face of said tool and to generate said respective magnetic field toward the respective region of said gripping face of said tool
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~7
Figure 8~9
AI summary
Gripping group (1) for at least one tool (2) comprising at least one magnetizable material, said tool (2) being configured to be supported by at least one projecting shaft (3) of one storage and having one respective gripping face (21), facing one free end (32) of said projecting shaft (3), the gripping face delimiting at least one plurality of regions (211, 212, 203, 214), the gripping group (1) comprising: at least one gripping head (4) including: - at least one support element (40), having a first face (41) configured to be directed toward said gripping face (21); - at least two electromagnets (42; 421, 422, 423, 424, 425), supported by said at least one support element (40), at said first face (41) thereof, and placed thereon in such a way as to delimit at least one gripping plane (5) at exposed ends thereof configured to generate one respective magnetic field, wherein when said at least one gripping plane (5) is directed toward the gripping face (21) each one of the least two electromagnets (42; 421, 422, 423, 424, 425) is configured to be placed at one respective region (211, 212, 203, 214) of said gripping face (21) and to generate said respective magnetic field toward the respective region of said gripping face (21); - at least one data control and processing unit operatively connected to said at least two electromagnets (42; 421, 422, 423, 424, 425); characterised in that said at least one data control and processing unit is configured to selectively activate said at least two electromagnets (42; 421, 422, 423, 424, 425) by sending respective magnetization signals to generate said respective magnetic fields independently from one another.