Pivoting Tine Clamping Assembly for Secure Object Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing material handling devices, such as grappler assemblies, face inefficiencies and safety issues when attempting to lift large objects like rocks, as they often require time-consuming chain wrapping and may slip due to inadequate grip, necessitating multiple attempts.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical pinch clamping assembly featuring two or more tines with hooked portions and a spreader, where the tines are pivotally secured and connected by chains or lines, allowing for secure attachment and lifting of objects through radial slots and inward forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a chain is used to wrap around the object to be moved, then the device can handle objects without a thumb attachment, but the chain tends to slip and requires multiple attempts to grip the object securely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to handle objects without thumb attachmentVSAvoidgrip security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping function is divided into multiple independent tines instead of using a single chain. Each tine is a separate element that can independently engage with the object, providing distributed contact points that prevent slipping while maintaining versatility in handling various objects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a flexible chain that wraps around the object, the invention uses rigid tines that extend outward to pierce or engage the object directly. This inverted approach from wrapping to piercing provides more reliable grip while maintaining the ability to handle different object types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If a chain is used to wrap around the object, then the device can be simplified without a thumb attachment, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires multiple attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of device structureVSAvoidspeed of object handling

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses multiple simple tine elements rather than a complex chain wrapping mechanism. Each tine is a simple rigid element that can quickly engage with the object, eliminating the time-consuming wrapping and adjusting process while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tines are pre-positioned in a configuration ready to engage the object immediately. The spreader mechanism pre-arranges the tines in an open position that allows rapid closing onto the object, eliminating the need for multiple attempts and time-consuming adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If chain wrapping is used to secure the object, then the device can operate without complex thumb attachments, but the chain slips and reduces safety during handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of attachment mechanismVSAvoidslipping and safety risks

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the chain wrapping approach by using rigid tines that extend outward to pierce or firmly engage the object. This provides positive grip that prevents slipping and ensures safety, while the attachment mechanism remains simple through the use of the spreader and pivot joints.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping function is segmented into multiple independent tines that provide distributed contact points on the object. This segmentation prevents the slipping that occurs with single-chain wrapping, as each tine maintains independent contact and grip, thereby enhancing safety while keeping the mechanism simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If multiple attempts are made to get the chain to grip the object, then the chain can eventually secure the object, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeventual grip achievementVSAvoidtime for multiple attempts

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tines are pre-positioned in an open configuration by the spreader mechanism, ready to engage the object immediately when the spreader is actuated. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for multiple attempts, as the tines can quickly close onto the object in a single action, significantly reducing time loss while maintaining reliable grip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader mechanism provides dynamic control over the tine configuration, allowing rapid transition from an open ready-position to a closed gripping position. This dynamic actuation enables single-attempt engagement, eliminating the time-consuming multiple attempts required by static chain wrapping systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10427918B2Mechanical clamping assembly

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 ALLPRESS ALBERT

AI summary

A clamping assembly is disclosed including a plurality of tines each pivotally coupled to a spreader having first ends above the spreader and second ends below the spreader. The first ends are coupled to lines joined at a common coupler and the second ends include hooked portions. The tines may have a planar shape and fit within radial slots defined by the spreader. The second ends may include slanted lower surfaces that slope upward with distance inward toward a center of the clamping assembly. In use the tines are lowered over an object. Tension applied to the lines causes pivoting of the tines effective to exert a clamping force on the object.