Pivotable Gripper Elements for Adaptable Piece Goods Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage and retrieval devices face challenges in securely gripping and efficiently handling piece goods of varying widths and shapes within limited space, often requiring complex mechanisms and multiple drives, which hinders efficient storage and retrieval operations.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves pivotable gripping elements with flexible, brush-like or angle lever designs that can be moved transversely to align with piece goods, allowing for secure gripping and alignment of piece goods during storage and retrieval, minimizing space requirements and reducing the need for multiple drives by using a single actuator system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid gripping elements are used, then the gripping force is sufficient, but the device cannot adapt to piece goods of varying widths and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping elements are designed to be movable and pivotable rather than fixed. Each gripping element can pivot about a transverse axis to align with the piece good's width, and the gripping parts can move independently to conform to the piece good's shape. This dynamic adaptability allows the same gripping mechanism to handle various widths and shapes without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism changes its geometric parameters (orientation angle, position) to match the piece good dimensions. By varying the pivot angle of gripping elements and the position of gripping parts, the system adapts to different piece good widths and shapes while maintaining effective gripping force.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple drives are used to control gripping elements, then the gripping precision is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator on each gripping element performs multiple functions: it controls the pivoting of the gripping element about the transverse axis and simultaneously controls the movement of the gripping parts. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of drives while maintaining precise control over the gripping action for various piece good configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating mechanism combines the control of gripping element orientation and gripping part positioning into a single integrated system. The actuator's movement is mechanically coupled to both the pivoting motion and the gripping parts' motion, merging multiple control functions into one drive unit.
3Adaptability or versatility
If elastic gripping parts are used, then the form-fitting grip is achieved, but the gripping force may be insufficient for heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping element is divided into multiple independent gripping parts that can move and pivot separately. Each gripping part can conform to different portions of the piece good, distributing the gripping force across multiple contact points. This segmentation allows elastic deformation at each contact point for form-fitting while maintaining overall gripping force through the combined action of multiple parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping elements combine rigid structural components (for maintaining overall shape and transmitting force) with elastic gripping parts (for form-fitting contact). This composite structure allows the rigid portion to provide structural strength and force transmission while the elastic portions provide adaptation and conformability.
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 approach enables reliable, automatic adaptation to different piece goods widths and shapes, ensuring secure storage and retrieval with minimal space usage and reduced complexity, enhancing storage efficiency and flexibility in handling diverse cargo.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping parts from the rest position to the gripping position by one or more transversely to the storage and retrieval direction Axes running are pivoted
Implementation Method 2
The gripping parts are made of elastic rubber or plastic materials
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The method involves pivoting gripper parts (13) from a resting position into a gripping position around an axis running transverse to a storage and retrieval direction. The gripper parts are divided into two groups (13a, 13b), and the gripper parts of one of the groups are adjusted in a resting position and in a gripping position in a retrieving direction. The gripper parts of another group are adjusted in its resting position and in the gripping position in the storage direction. The gripper parts of the groups are pivoted opposite to the gripper parts of the other group.