Pivotable Insert Container Gripper for Variable Diameter Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container gripper assemblies struggle to effectively grip containers of different sizes and shapes, particularly during testing and handling, as they often fail to maintain a secure seal and withstand pressure without damaging the container.
Innovation Solution
The use of pivotable insert holders with concave and convex surfaces, made from robust materials, which self-align to provide a reliable surface-to-surface contact with the container, allowing for secure gripping and sealing, even under pressure, and are designed to accommodate various container diameters through adjustable radii and pivot points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a fixed rigid gripper structure is used, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the adaptability to different container sizes and shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independent jaw members (at least two) that can move relative to each other. Each jaw member can be independently positioned and oriented to accommodate different container geometries, allowing the system to adapt to various sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity through the modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members are made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic adjustment of the gripper configuration. The jaws can pivot and reposition themselves during the gripping process to conform to the container's surface, enabling adaptation to different container geometries while the rigid structure maintains sufficient strength
2Reliability
If high gripping force is applied to secure the container, then the gripping reliability is improved, but the risk of damaging the container increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping force is distributed across multiple contact points on the container surface through several jaw members. Each jaw applies localized force at optimized contact regions, ensuring secure gripping through cumulative force distribution rather than concentrated pressure, thereby reducing the risk of container damage while maintaining gripping reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members dynamically adjust their positions and orientations during the gripping process to conform to the container's surface geometry. This self-adjusting mechanism ensures optimal contact and force distribution, allowing the system to achieve reliable gripping with minimized force application, thus preventing container damage
3Manufacturing precision
If the gripper is designed for precise gripping of specific container types, then the manufacturing precision is high, but the versatility across different container types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper system is designed with universal jaw members that can be configured for multiple container types. The jaws incorporate features such as pivoting capabilities and adjustable positioning that enable a single gripper design to handle various container geometries (cylindrical, rectangular, irregular shapes) with consistent precision, eliminating the need for specialized grippers for each container type
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members dynamically reposition and reorient themselves during operation to achieve precise contact with different container types. This dynamic adaptability allows the same gripper structure to maintain high gripping precision across diverse container geometries by automatically adjusting to the specific shape and size of each container
Data Source
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AI summary
Various examples are directed to a container gripper assembly comprising a first jaw member and a second jaw member. The first jaw member may comprise a first plurality of pivotable inserts and the second jaw member may comprise a second plurality of pivotable inserts. The first jaw member may be movable towards the second jaw member to grip a container between the first plurality of pivotable inserts and the second plurality of pivotable inserts.