Pivoting Clamp Mechanism for Rigid Panel Reversal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for handling rigid panels cannot efficiently reverse the plate while maintaining the same gripping and depositing position, nor can they allow the plate to be turned over without passing through an intermediate station, which is incompatible with machine tools that require working on both sides of the plate.
Innovation Solution
A handling device comprising a load-bearing frame with grippers that adhere to the plate and clamps capable of pivoting 180 degrees around a horizontal axis, allowing the plate to be reversed and placed vertically for storage, using electromagnets or suction cups for adhesion and motorized clamps for rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamps pivot around a horizontal axis to turn the plate, then the plate can be reversed to expose the second face, but the device requires an intermediate deposit station and cannot grip and deposit at the same position
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp pivot axis is repositioned from a horizontal axis to a vertical axis, changing the dimension of rotation. This allows the plate to be rotated 180 degrees while maintaining the same horizontal gripping and depositing position, eliminating the need for an intermediate station and resolving the spatial conflict between plate reversal and position consistency.
2Ease of operation
If clamps are used to grip the plate edges, then the plate can be handled, but the device cannot place the plate vertically for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp pivot axis is changed from horizontal to vertical, enabling dynamic repositioning of the plate from horizontal handling orientation to vertical storage orientation. The vertical pivot allows the clamp to rotate the plate 90 degrees into a vertical position while maintaining gripping contact, providing both handling and storage capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If adhesion grippers are used to hold the plate, then the plate can be lifted and positioned, but the grippers must be released before clamping can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesion grippers are positioned and activated in advance to secure the plate before the clamping operation begins. This preliminary gripping action allows the plate to be held firmly during the subsequent clamp rotation and positioning, enabling sequential operations to flow smoothly without idle time.
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 the plate to be reversed and placed in a vertical position for storage or machining without an intermediate station, allowing access to both faces of the plate and facilitating balanced handling and storage without requiring tool access under the plate.
Implementation Method 1
adhesion gripper intended to adhere on command to a first face oriented upwards of the plate
Implementation Method 2
adhesion grippers may include electromagnets or may include suction cups
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for handling a rigid panel, such as a plate (10), and a handling method using such a device. The device comprises a movable frame (2) having at least one adhesive gripper (3) designed to adhere, on command, to a first upward-facing face (10a) of a plate (10). The frame (2) has at least one clamp (4) located at one end of the frame (2) and designed to clamp an edge of the plate (10). The clamp (4) is capable of pivoting at least 180 degrees around a substantially horizontal turning axis (4a) by means of a motor (P) so as to partially or completely turn the plate (10) over to expose a second upward-facing face (10b).