Quick-Tightening Adapter for Gripper Element Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices require time-consuming conversion of gripping elements, which is inefficient for small batch assembly operations, as they rely on manual or tool-operated clamping mechanisms that are not quick or maintenance-free.
Innovation Solution
A quick-release adapter with a clamping spindle and clamping sleeves that engage through a translational and rotational movement, allowing for rapid and secure attachment and detachment of gripping elements using a mechanical interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or tool-operated clamping mechanisms are used to attach gripping elements, then the gripping device can be assembled, but the conversion time between different gripping elements is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping spindle is designed to rotate between clamped and release states, enabling dynamic switching between different gripping elements. The rotational movement of the clamping spindle allows rapid engagement and disengagement of clamping sleeves, transforming the static clamping mechanism into a dynamic quick-change system that significantly reduces conversion time
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is segmented into modular components: the base body with clamping spindle, the gripping element with clamping sleeves, and the interface elements. This segmentation allows independent replacement of gripping elements without affecting the base structure, enabling rapid conversion by simply attaching or detaching segmented components rather than reassembling the entire device
2Loss of time
If a quick-release adapter with rotational clamping movement is used, then conversion time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping spindle with its rotational interface serves multiple functions: it provides clamping force through rotation, enables quick release by reversing rotation, and accommodates multiple clamping sleeves simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining quick-change capability
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping sleeves are designed to nest onto the gripping element and engage with the clamping spindle through recesses. The nested structure allows the clamping interfaces to be compactly integrated without requiring additional external components, reducing structural complexity while enabling rapid attachment and detachment
3Reliability
If multiple clamping sleeves are used on the gripping element, then secure attachment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple clamping sleeves are merged into a single integrated gripping element structure, where all clamping interfaces are combined on one component. The clamping spindle engages with multiple sleeves simultaneously through a single rotational action, combining multiple clamping functions into one unified mechanism that achieves secure attachment without proportionally increasing complexity
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a quick-release adapter with a gripper element interface for a gripping device (10) for adapting a gripper element (1, 2) to a slide (15) or swivel arm of the gripping device (15). The quick-release adapter (30) has a base body (31) that can be attached to the slide. A clamping spindle (60, 80), consisting of at least one part, is arranged in the base body. At least two clamping sleeves (91, 92) with a rear grip (93) are arranged on the gripper element and can be inserted into recesses (41, 42) of the base body (31). The clamping spindle has a clamping flank (71) for each clamping sleeve. The clamping flanks of the clamping spindles can be brought into engagement with the rear grips of the clamping sleeves by at least one translational movement. The present invention provides an adapter for a gripping device that allows interchangeable gripper elements to be adapted to the gripping device quickly, securely, and maintenance-free.