Radial Clamping Gripper for Energy-Free Watch Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for handling and holding watch components during automated production are inefficient, often requiring vacuum systems that consume high energy and cause noise pollution, and existing clamping devices are complex, bulky, and expensive, with limited adaptability to varying component sizes.
Innovation Solution
A radial clamping gripper with movable jaws connected by radial elastic return means, allowing radial clamping without vacuum, energy consumption, and featuring a compact design suitable for various component sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If vacuum systems are used for handling and holding watch components, then handling efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases and noise pollution occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum system (a field-based holding mechanism) with a mechanical clamping system using jaws that apply radial clamping force. The movable jaws are actuated by the manipulator's axial movement, transforming the holding function from vacuum-based to mechanically actuated, thereby eliminating continuous energy consumption while maintaining handling efficiency.
2Reliability
If complex clamping devices with multiple parts are used, then gripping reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the clamping function into the gripper structure itself, where the movable jaws are integrated with the gripper body and actuated by the manipulator's axial movement. This eliminates the need for separate complex clamping mechanisms with multiple parts, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable gripping through the radial elastic return means and bearing surfaces.
3Device complexity
If fixed jaws are used for clamping, then structural simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying component sizes decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces movable jaws that can dynamically adjust their radial position through elastic deformation and manipulator actuation. This dynamic capability allows the gripper to adapt to varying component sizes and shapes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as the movement is achieved through elastic return means rather than complex mechanical linkages.
4Reliability
If radial clamping force is applied, then component protection is improved, but jaw mobility constraints increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs radial elastic return means that function similarly to flexible elements, allowing the movable jaws to deform elastically in the radial direction. This flexibility enables the jaws to apply protective clamping force while maintaining ease of movement, as the elastic deformation naturally accommodates the radial motion without rigid constraints.
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 gripper effectively manipulates and holds watch components without energy beyond manipulator movement, ensuring robust protection and adaptability, with a compact and cost-effective solution that prevents deformation and requires minimal maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
each movable jaw is connected to said support by a radial elastic return means or a radial elastic deformation capacity zone which extends in a general plane perpendicular to said axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The radial clamping gripper (100), intended for a watch component, comprises a plurality of jaws (1) distributed around an axis (D), which defines an insertion and/or extraction direction for the watch component, and connected to a gripper support (2). Each jaw has a bearing surface (10) arranged to ensure radial contact, relative to said axis, with an opposing surface of said component and to be able to apply a radial clamping force on this opposing surface. At least one of said jaws is movable radially, relative to said axis, and has a stroke that is essentially radial relative to said axis (D). Each movable jaw is connected to said support by a radial elastic return means (3) which extends in a general plane (P) perpendicular to said axis and which is preferably arranged between the movable jaw and said axis (D).