Multi-Head Manipulator Series Connection for Varying Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-head devices, such as pliers, face limitations in transmitting force effectively to objects with non-flat or varying thicknesses, as the front and rear active surfaces typically move in parallel, restricting the transmission of force to a single head.
Innovation Solution
The device connects the rear active surface of one head to the front active surface of another in a series arrangement, allowing for path-controlled movement and force balance between the heads, enabling reliable force transmission to objects with different thicknesses or curved surfaces through a connecting element that can be coaxial with the joint axis, facilitating a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the front and rear active surfaces of adjacent heads move in parallel, then the device structure is simple, but the force transmission to objects with non-flat or varying thickness surfaces is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by allowing the active surfaces to move independently rather than being constrained to parallel movement. The connecting element enables dynamic adjustment where the rear active surface of the first head connects to the front active surface of the second head, permitting each head to adapt its movement path according to the object's surface geometry, thereby improving force transmission reliability without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the force transmission path by introducing a connecting element that links the rear active surface of the first head to the front active surface of the second head. This segmentation allows independent movement and force transmission through each head, enabling the system to handle objects with varying thicknesses and curved surfaces more effectively while maintaining overall structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heads are used to handle large objects, then the handling capability is improved, but the force transmission is limited to a single head when the object does not have a perfectly flat shape
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic adaptation by allowing each head to move independently through the connecting element mechanism. When handling objects with non-flat or varying thickness surfaces, the system can dynamically adjust which head contacts the object and how force is transmitted, improving both handling capability and force transmission reliability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing the connecting element to accommodate various object geometries. The system can handle perfectly flat surfaces, objects with varying thicknesses, and curved surfaces effectively, making the multi-head configuration universally applicable to different object types while maintaining reliable force transmission across all scenarios
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 configuration ensures consistent and balanced force transmission across all active surfaces, allowing for reliable handling of objects with varying thicknesses and curved surfaces, enhancing the device's versatility and effectiveness in various applications, including lifting, manipulation, and automated systems.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting element (24) which immovably connects the rear active surface (19) of the first head (14) to the front active surface (20) of the second head (15)
Implementation Method 2
Each head (14, 15) is connected by a joint (16, 17) with two movable relative to one another
Implementation Method 3
Pliers are usually equipped with two bilateral lever arms that are connected to one another by a joint. According to the law of levers, the hand force applied to the handles is increased and transferred to an object by means of the pliers head.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
The device (13) has two heads (14, 15) including front-sided and rear-sided effective surfaces (18-21) that are movable to each other and connected by joints (16, 17) i.e. multi-joints. Arms (22, 23) i.e. lever arms, introduce effective forces. The effective surfaces are connected in series arrangement such that the rear-sided effective surface (19) of the head (14) is connected immovably with the front-sided effective surface (20) of the head (15) by a connection element. The connection element is arranged coaxially to an axis of one joint.