Spring-Loaded Roller Gripper for Reliable Offset Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripping mechanisms are expensive and prone to breakage due to reliance on power sources like air pressure or electrical energy.
Innovation Solution
A gripping mechanism comprising a roller, frame, first and second movable plates, and elastic objects, where the plates pinch the roller to grip objects, utilizing gravity and elastic forces to secure items without requiring power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gripping mechanisms use power sources like air pressure or electrical energy, then gripping force and control are improved, but cost increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the power source components (air pressure systems, electrical motors, sensors) from the gripping mechanism. The core gripping function is achieved through pure mechanical means - a roller between two plates that utilizes elastic recovery and friction, removing all complex powered systems while maintaining reliable gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism achieves self-service through the elastic objects that automatically urge the plates toward the roller without external power. The system uses its own structural elasticity and the friction between the roller surface and object to maintain grip, eliminating the need for external energy sources and complex control systems.
2Reliability
If powered gripping mechanisms are used, then gripping performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive powered components with simple, inexpensive mechanical parts. The gripping mechanism uses basic elements like elastic plates, a roller, and springs that are far cheaper to manufacture than air pressure systems or electric actuators. These simple components can be easily replaced if worn, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes powered mechanical systems with a pure mechanical gripping mechanism. Instead of using motors, pneumatic cylinders, or electromagnetic actuators, the invention uses elastic deformation and friction-based gripping through a roller between plates, dramatically reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
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 provides a low-cost, durable gripping mechanism capable of securely holding objects even if they are offset, offering a robust and cost-effective alternative to traditional power-driven systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic object that urges the first movable plate toward the roller and a second elastic object that urges the second movable plate toward the roller
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping mechanism (3) includes a holder (31), a gripping roller (32), a first movable plate (331), a second movable plate (332), a first spring (341), and a second spring (342). The holder (31) houses the gripping roller (32). The first movable plate (331) and the second movable plate (332) pinch the gripping roller (32) inside the holder (31). The first spring (341) urges the first movable plate (331) toward the gripping roller (32). The second spring (342) urges the second movable plate (332) toward the gripping roller (32). The gripping mechanism (3) grips a gripped section (42) of a first component (4) between the first movable plate (331) and the gripping roller (32).