Nested Holding Mechanism for Compact Object Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current holding mechanisms in distribution centers are oversized and complex, making it difficult to accurately hold objects in narrow spaces and sense their state and environment, leading to human-intensive operations and potential damage to objects.
Innovation Solution
A holding mechanism with a pair of holding parts and a moving mechanism that adjusts distance between them, using sensors and elastic parts to accurately grasp objects, allowing for compact design and precise object handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the holding parts are largely driven to hold large objects, then the holding capability is improved, but the holding mechanism increases in size
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism employs a nested structure where the second holding part is positioned inside the first holding part, and both can be inserted into narrow spaces. This nesting arrangement allows the mechanism to maintain the capability to hold various sized objects while minimizing its overall volume when not in use, effectively resolving the contradiction between adaptability and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism uses drive mechanisms that can dynamically adjust the size and configuration of the holding parts. The first and second holding parts can be expanded when needed to hold large objects and contracted when not in use, allowing the mechanism to adapt its volume to the task requirements rather than being permanently oversized.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are provided to accurately sense object state and environment, then sensing capability is improved, but the holding mechanism increases in size and becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The holding mechanism integrates multiple sensing functions into the holding parts themselves, which serve both mechanical holding and sensing purposes. The sensors are embedded within the holding structure, allowing the same components to perform both gripping and detection functions, thereby improving sensing capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive mechanisms and sensing systems are merged into integrated units where the drive mechanism that moves the holding parts also incorporates sensors to detect object characteristics. This merging allows the mechanism to sense object state during the holding operation without adding separate, independent sensing subsystems that would increase complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the holding mechanism size is reduced, then accessibility to narrow spaces is improved, but the ability to hold large objects is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the first and second holding parts allows the mechanism to present a compact profile when inserted into narrow spaces while maintaining the internal capacity to accommodate and hold larger objects. The holding parts can be extended or expanded within the narrow space constraint to grip objects of various sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism employs dynamic drive mechanisms that can adjust the opening width and configuration of the holding parts in real-time. When accessing narrow spaces, the mechanism maintains a compact form, but the drive mechanisms enable rapid expansion of the holding parts to accommodate and secure larger objects once positioned.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the holding mechanism is oversized, then it can hold various sized objects, but it cannot accurately hold objects in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The nested structure allows the holding mechanism to reduce its external dimensions to fit into narrow spaces while maintaining the internal capacity to hold various sized objects. The holding parts can be precisely positioned within the compact nested configuration to accurately grip objects even in constrained environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding mechanism applies different characteristics to different parts: the outer structure is designed for compactness to access narrow spaces, while the holding parts themselves maintain the necessary size and precision features for accurate object grasping. This local differentiation of properties allows the mechanism to excel at both narrow space access and precise holding.
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 accurate handling of various objects, including large and soft ones, by reducing the size of the holding mechanism and improving sensing capabilities, thus enhancing automation and reducing damage.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic part arranged between the other end of the first link and an end of the first moving part
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, a holding mechanism includes a first holding part, a second holding part, a first guide, a second guide, a third guide, a fourth guide, and a driving mechanism. The second holding part faces the first holding part in a first direction. The first guide is connected to the first holding part and capable of moving the first holding part in the first direction. The second guide is connected to the second holding part and capable of moving the second holding part in the first direction. The third guide is capable of moving the first guide in the first direction. The fourth guide is capable of moving the second guide in the first direction, and aligned with the third guide in the first direction. The drive mechanism changes a distance between the first holding part and the second holding part.