Revolver Gripper Head With Onboard Tool Storage for Compact Sorting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting machines with handlers require time-consuming and space-consuming tool-changing operations, which lead to idle time in machine operation and are not compatible with the compact footprint needed for handling multiple gripping heads and stacked workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A gripping head for a sorting machine equipped with a revolver-shaped tool carrier that allows for quick tool selection and use without the need for a separate tool carrier, enabling tools to be used directly from the carrier and reducing operational downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If tools are stored in a separate tool carrier area, then tool storage capacity is improved, but tool changing time and operational downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tool carrier with the gripping head by mounting multiple tools directly on the gripping head body. This integration eliminates the need for separate tool carrier areas and the displacement operations required to access tools, thereby reducing tool changing time while maintaining adequate tool storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple tools in a stacked configuration on the gripping head body, utilizing vertical space rather than horizontal displacement. This dimensional reorganization allows tools to be accessed by vertical movement of the gripping head to different height levels, eliminating the need for lateral displacement to a separate tool carrier area.
2Productivity
If multiple tools are mounted on a multi-tool head, then tool changing operations are eliminated, but the footprint and bulk of the gripping head increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stacks multiple tools vertically on the gripping head body, utilizing the vertical dimension rather than expanding horizontally. This allows multiple tools to be mounted without significantly increasing the gripping head's horizontal footprint, maintaining compatibility with the compact spatial requirements of sorting machines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple tools within the compact structure of the gripping head body, arranging them in a space-efficient configuration. The tools are positioned to utilize available internal and external surfaces of the gripping head, minimizing the overall bulk while accommodating multiple tool types.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a separate tool carrier is used, then tool versatility is improved, but the complexity of tool changing operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tool carrier functionality directly with the gripping head structure. Tools are mounted on the gripping head body itself, eliminating the need for separate tool carrier mechanisms and the complex displacement operations required to access tools stored elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the tool carrier function from a separate component and integrates it directly into the gripping head. This eliminates the intermediate step of displacing to a separate tool carrier, simplifying the overall tool changing process while maintaining the ability to store and access multiple tool types.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A
AI summary
A gripping head (T) for a handler in a sorting machine and an operating method thereof is disclosed. The gripping head (T) comprises a support frame (1), at least a gripping tool (U), equipped with at least a socket (25) for a control line and first retaining means (200, 202), and further a revolver-shaped carrier (2) mounted on said support frame (1) and equipped with a plurality of first releasable engagement means (29a, 29b, 27) apt to be coupled with said first retaining means (200, 202) of a respective plurality of gripping tools (U1-0 U5), said plurality of gripping tools (U1-U5) furthermore having second retaining means (203), at least a transfer platform (4), equipped with second releasable engagement means (43, 45) apt to be coupled with said second retaining means (203), said transfer platform (4) being movably mounted on said support frame (1) between at least a home position wherein said first retaining means (200, 202) of a gripping tool (U1-U5) are engaged with said first releasable engagement means (29a, 29b, 27) of said revolver-shaped carrier (2), an attachment position wherein said second releasable engagement means (43, 45) are coupled with said second retaining means (203) of a selected gripping tool (U), and an operating position wherein said first retaining means (200, 202) of a gripping tool are uncoupled from said first releasable engagement means (29a, 29b, 27) and said selected gripping tool (U) is spaced away from said revolver-shaped carrier (2).