Pivotable Gripping Arms for Transport Pallets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for transport pallets are either hazardous due to reliance on a raised end for connection, requiring manual attachment and direct access to the pallet, or they break easily under force, and lack self-opening capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with pivotable arms and an actuating element that automatically opens and closes around a pallet foot using inclined hook sections, allowing remote operation and secure engagement without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gripping device uses a raised end for connection with the pallet, then the connection can be established, but the connection breaks easily under force and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device divides the connection function into multiple independent gripping arms that each engage with separate pallet feet. This segmentation distributes the pulling forces across multiple contact points rather than relying on a single raised end connection, preventing connection failure under load.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping arms are designed to wrap around and enclose the pallet feet, with the arms nesting around the vertical feet of the pallet. This enclosing configuration creates a form-fit connection that is mechanically interlocked and resistant to accidental disengagement under pulling forces.
2Ease of operation
If a gripping device requires manual attachment to the pallet, then direct control is possible, but the operator must access the loading area which creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping device incorporates self-opening and self-closing functionality through spring-loaded gripping arms that automatically engage with the pallet feet when approached and release when the actuating element is retracted. This eliminates the need for manual attachment and detachment operations within the loading area.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping arms are pre-loaded with springs that prepare them for automatic engagement. When the device approaches the pallet, the springs automatically drive the arms into the closed gripping position without requiring manual intervention, enabling remote operation from a safe distance.
3Reliability
If the gripping arms are kept in constant contact to maintain grip, then secure holding is achieved, but the device cannot automatically open for release
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arms are designed as dynamic elements that can pivot between open and closed positions. The spring loading provides continuous contact force for secure gripping, while the pivot joints allow automatic opening when the actuating element is retracted, enabling both secure holding and easy release.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates mechanical feedback through the spring-loaded arms that automatically respond to the presence or absence of the pallet. When the pallet is engaged, the springs maintain constant contact pressure for secure gripping. When the actuating element is retracted, the feedback mechanism automatically triggers the opening motion for release.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application relates to a gripping device for positively gripping a pallet foot (2) of a transport pallet, comprising a base body (3), at least two gripping arms (4) arranged on the base body (3), an actuating element (5) and at least one translation means (6), wherein the gripping arms (4) each have at least one coupling section (7) and at least one hook section (8), wherein the gripping arms (4) are each coupled to the base body (3) by means of their coupling sections (7) forming a pivot axis (10, 11), such that the gripping arms (4) are each pivotable relative to the base body (3) between an open position and a closed position, wherein the actuating element (5) is translationally movable along an axis of action (13) relative to the base body (3) between a near position and a far position.wherein the actuating element (5) interacts with the gripping arms (4) by means of the at least one transmission means (6) such that the actuating element (5) can be moved between its near position and its far position by means of the transmission means (6) into a pivoting movement of the gripping arms (4) relative to the base body (3) and vice versa. In order to provide a gripping device whose application is improved compared to the prior art, it is proposed according to the invention that the opposing flanks of the hook sections each have at least one inclined region within which the flanks are inclined towards each other, wherein the distance between the end faces of the gripping arms facing away from the base body is greater than the distance between the near faces of the flanks that are arranged at an end of the flanks facing the base body.