Pre-Loaded Displacement Mechanism for Smooth Gripper Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing machines require high energy expenditure and large motors due to the disproportionate weight of handling devices, particularly gripper devices, leading to increased wear and difficulty in smooth movement of bags between positions.
Innovation Solution
A displacement device with an articulation mechanism and a pre-loading device, such as a spring or pneumatic system, intercepts the weight of the handling device, allowing for smooth and uniform movement by reducing the force required, enabling smaller motors and minimizing wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If a handling device with high mass is used for transporting bags, then the handling device can perform its function, but the energy expenditure for transporting the bag becomes disproportionately high
Solution Approach 1:
A pre-loading device with elastic element (spring) is introduced to compensate for the weight of the articulation mechanism and handling device. The spring is pre-loaded to generate an upward force that counteracts the gravitational force on the handling device, effectively reducing its apparent weight during movement and thereby reducing energy expenditure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gravitational force acting on the heavy handling device, which causes high energy expenditure, is converted into a beneficial effect by using a pre-loaded spring to store potential energy. This stored energy is then released to assist in lifting and moving the handling device, transforming the harmful weight into a useful energy source.
2Ease of operation
If the gripper device is displaced forwards and backwards frequently, then the handling function is maintained, but wear increases and large motors are required
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-loading device with elastic element compensates for the weight of the handling device during displacement, reducing the force required to move it back and forth. This reduces wear on the displacement mechanism and allows smaller motors to be used while maintaining smooth movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element in the pre-loading device acts as a cushion that absorbs and dampens forces during movement. This cushioning effect protects the displacement mechanism from shock loads and reduces wear, especially at the endpoints of movement where force maxima occur.
3Speed
If the articulation mechanism moves the handling device against gravity, then the handling device can be positioned, but force maxima occur at endpoints requiring very high starting force
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-loading device generates an upward force that counteracts gravity throughout the movement range. This eliminates force maxima at endpoints by providing continuous gravitational compensation, allowing smooth acceleration and deceleration without requiring very high starting forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element in the pre-loading device provides a dynamic force that adapts to the movement phase. The spring force varies continuously during movement, providing maximum support when needed and automatically adjusting to maintain smooth motion, thereby eliminating force peaks.
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 low-force, uniform, and easy movement of handling devices, reducing wear and allowing for smaller motor usage, particularly beneficial in filling bulk materials into bags.
Implementation Method 1
The pre-loading device is in particular configured as a spring or spring-like or as a spring-like element
Implementation Method 2
at least one pre-loading device (204) is in operative connection with the articulation mechanism (201) and/or handling device (250) in order to intercept the weight of the articulation mechanism (201) and/or handling device (250) during displacement
Implementation Method 3
wherein in particular hydraulic and/or pneumatic pre-loading devices can expediently be used
Data Source
AI summary
A displacement device for a handling device, having an articulation mechanism on which the handling device is accommodated, wherein the handling device is displaceable by the articulation mechanism between a first position and a second position. A pre-loading device is in operative connection with the articulation mechanism and/or the handling device to intercept the weight of the articulation mechanism and/or the handling device during displacement of the handling device between the first position and the second position. In a method for displacement of a handling device by such a displacement device, the pre-loading device unloads the weight of the handling device during displacement between the first position and the second position so that a continuous and reduced application of force moves the handling device. A packing machine for filling product like bulk materials into bags includes a filling module with a filling nozzle, a displacement device and a handling device.