Roller Gripping Mechanism for Power-Free Release in Tight Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assembly apparatuses with gripping mechanisms face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively gripping and releasing objects, particularly in confined spaces, and require motive power, which can lead to mechanical failures and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A gripping mechanism comprising a frame, a roller housed within the frame, and a lever that grips objects between the roller and the frame's inner surface, utilizing gravity and a drive mechanism to assemble and disassemble components without requiring continuous motive power, allowing for easy release through the lever's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If electric gripping mechanisms are used, then gripping force and control precision are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electric suction or electric gripping mechanisms with a purely mechanical gripping system using a roller and lever. The roller grips the object through mechanical contact, and the lever provides mechanical advantage for both gripping and releasing actions, eliminating the need for complex electric motors, sensors, and control systems while maintaining effective gripping force.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping mechanism uses the weight of the roller and the mechanical advantage of the lever to automatically maintain gripping force without requiring continuous power input. The system serves itself by using gravity and mechanical leverage to sustain the gripping state, reducing complexity compared to powered systems that require continuous control.
2Reliability
If continuous motive power is used for gripping, then gripping reliability is improved, but cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism uses periodic action through the lever's oscillating motion to achieve gripping and releasing. The lever is moved to engage the roller for gripping, then returned to release it, creating a periodic cycle that eliminates the need for continuous power consumption while maintaining reliable gripping during the active phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implicitly uses gravitational force as a counterweight mechanism, where the roller's weight and the lever's mechanical advantage work together to maintain gripping force without additional power input. This passive use of gravity reduces energy consumption while ensuring reliable gripping through mechanical force.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex gripping mechanisms are used, then gripping precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs dynamic leverage through the lever's movement to achieve precise gripping control. The lever's oscillating action allows for precise engagement and disengagement of the roller, providing both gripping precision and operational simplicity through a single degree of freedom motion that is easy to control.
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 a robust, low-cost gripping mechanism that can grip and release objects effectively without continuous power, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and facilitating assembly in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The roller is housed within the frame and grips an object between the roller and an inner surface of the frame
Implementation Method 2
The lever releases gripping of the object by pushing the roller upward
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping mechanism includes a holder, a gripping roller, and a lever. The gripping roller is housed within the holder and grips an object between the roller and an inner surface of the holder. The lever releases gripping of the object by pushing the gripping roller upward. Preferably, the holder includes two plate sections which support a weight of the gripping roller. An opening is located between the two plate sections. The opening receives insertion of the object. One of the two plate sections is inclined relative to a vertical direction.