Pivotable Gripping Arms With Spring Elements For Container Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling devices face limitations in material choice for gripping arms due to restricted design, and require complex control mechanisms for switching between blocking and release states, which complicates the handling and transportation of containers.
Innovation Solution
A container gripper design featuring pivotable gripping arms tensioned by spring elements, with a control element that moves between release and blocking states, allowing secure container transfer and handling through adjustable spring forces without a positive-fit blocking mechanism, facilitating easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If backwards-facing spring-elastic extensions are used as gripping arms, then the gripping arms can be produced as one piece with spring elements, but the choice of materials for production is severely restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping arm is divided into separate components: the gripping arm itself and the spring element. This allows each component to be manufactured from optimal materials independently, with the gripping arm made from material suitable for gripping function and the spring element from elastic material, thereby expanding material choice while maintaining ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element is integrated with the gripping arm through a connection mechanism (such as a bearing or pivot connection), combining the advantages of separate component manufacturing with the benefits of a unified gripping assembly, allowing material versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Ease of operation
If a control element rotates about an axis parallel to the pivot axis of gripping arms to control blocking and releasing states, then the mechanism can switch between states, but the control arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the control element about an axis parallel to the pivot axis, the control element is designed to move in a linear or simplified rotational path that directly actuates the gripping arms, inverting the conventional control mechanism approach and reducing control arrangement complexity while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
A simplified intermediary mechanism (such as a cam, lever, or direct contact surface) is introduced between the control element and the gripping arms, mediating the control action in a way that reduces the complexity of the control arrangement while preserving the ability to switch between blocking and releasing states
3Reliability
If a closure element moves in a curve-controlled manner to block gripping arms radially, then positive-fit blocking is achieved, but the mechanism requires complex curve control
Solution Approach 1:
The complex curve control mechanism is extracted or eliminated from the system. Instead, a simpler blocking mechanism is used that achieves positive-fit blocking through direct mechanical engagement or spring-loaded latching, removing the need for complex curve control while maintaining reliability of the blocking function
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating or self-regulating, using the inherent motion of the gripping arms or spring forces to automatically engage and disengage the closure element, thereby achieving reliable positive-fit blocking without requiring complex external curve control
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 enables simplified control and handling of containers by adjusting spring forces for secure gripping and easy release, improving material flexibility and reducing assembly complexity, while maintaining effective container handling during operations like filling or labeling.
Implementation Method 1
Each container gripper comprises at least two pivotable gripping arms which are respectively pretensioned by at least one spring element in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for transporting containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.