Rotatable Gripper Manipulator for Hold-Free Sheet Metal Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manipulators for small components and profiles require complex, custom-made gripping arrangements that increase processing time and costs due to the need for frequent hold changes during machining and bending operations.
Innovation Solution
A manipulator with a base body and swivel arms configured for rotational movements about two axes, allowing for a gripper support arm to position components close to a bending machine without requiring hold changes, using standard gripping arrangements and enabling efficient, cost-effective manipulation of small components and profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If custom-made gripping arrangements are used for small components and profiles, then the components can be manipulated, but the processing time and unit costs increase due to frequent hold changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a standard vacuum gripping arrangement that can handle multiple component sizes and types without requiring custom-made grippers. The gripper maintains a consistent holding approach across different bending operations, eliminating the need for frequent hold changes while remaining adaptable to various small components and profiles
2Productivity
If standard gripping arrangements are used for small components with short leg lengths, then the manipulation becomes more economical, but the components may not be reachable without hold changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by adding rotational freedom in a second axis to the gripper arrangement. This allows the gripper to rotate and reach components with short leg lengths that would otherwise be inaccessible, maintaining both cost-effectiveness through standard gripping arrangements and operational ease by eliminating the need for hold changes
3Adaptability or versatility
If pincer grippers with auxiliary devices are used for components of different sizes, then gripping capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates device complexity by using a universal standard vacuum gripping arrangement that can handle components of different sizes without auxiliary devices. The gripper's rotational freedom in two axes provides the adaptability needed for various component sizes and geometries, replacing the complex pincer gripper system with a simpler, more versatile solution
Data Source
AI summary
A manipulator for components, in particular sheet metal parts, includes a base body mountable stationarily or movable along a guide arrangement, a first pivot arm pivotally coupled to the base body via a horizontal first pivot axis, a second pivot arm pivotally coupled to the first pivot arm via a horizontal second pivot axis and a third pivot arm pivotally coupled to the second pivot arm via a horizontal third pivot axis. A first axis of rotation extending radially to the third pivot axis is formed on the third pivot arm. A gripper support arm is rotatably coupled to the third pivot arm via the first axis of rotation and extends radially to the first axis of rotation. A gripping arrangement is rotatably coupled to the gripper support arm via a second axis of rotation spaced from the first axis of rotation. A bending installation includes the manipulator.