Rolling Gripper Slot Geometry to Prevent Handle Sticking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for vertically supporting handled objects like brooms and shovels often get stuck due to linear slots confining the shaft, requiring forceful manipulation for engagement and disengagement, and fail to return to the neutral position.
Innovation Solution
A rolling gripper assembly with non-linear slots, such as inverted 'v' shaped slots, allows greater freedom of movement for the shaft, reducing sticking incidents and enabling smooth engagement and disengagement without force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If linear slots are used to guide the shaft, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the rolling gripper becomes stuck and cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by changing the slot geometry from linear to curved/arced shape. The curved slots allow the shaft to move along a curved path that accommodates the rolling motion of the gripper, preventing sticking while maintaining structural simplicity. This geometric transformation resolves the contradiction between manufacturing ease and operational smoothness.
2Manufacturing precision
If linear slots confine the shaft, then the alignment is precise, but the shaft cannot move downward freely causing the gripper to fail returning to neutral position
Solution Approach 1:
The curved slot geometry provides both precise alignment and free movement. The arc shape guides the shaft along a predetermined path that ensures proper alignment while allowing downward movement for returning to neutral position. This eliminates the contradiction between alignment precision and return reliability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the shaft is confined in linear slots, then the structure is stable, but forceful manipulation is required for engagement and disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The curved slots maintain structural stability through their guided geometry while enabling smooth engagement and disengagement. The curved path allows the shaft to naturally follow the motion required for handling operations, eliminating the need for forceful manipulation while preserving holder stability.
4Device complexity
If linear slots are used, then the device complexity is low, but the rolling gripper cannot accommodate handle movement properly
Solution Approach 1:
The curved slot configuration provides adaptability for various handle movements while maintaining low device complexity. The single geometric modification from linear to curved slots enables the structure to accommodate different movement paths without adding complex mechanisms or components.
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 non-linear slots in the rolling gripper assembly facilitate effortless handling of items by preventing sticking and ensuring smooth operation, reducing the need for forceful manipulation during engagement and disengagement.
Implementation Method 1
the weight of the handle is free to move downward, the rolling grip 705 is supposed to move downward in the direction of the inclined plane 715
Data Source
AI summary
A rolling gripper for use in a housing assembly that holds stored items. The rolling gripper includes a support frame that has space apart side walls and a floor extending between the side walls, the walls have non-linear slots that are opposed to each other; and, a rolling gripper that is configured to fit between the side walls of the support frame and has fixed pins that are configured to be received and move within the non-linear slots.