Rotating Flap Clamp for Handling Sheet Stacks Through Slits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to handle stacks of sheet elements through small gaps or cutting slits without affecting adjacent stacks, limiting handling efficiency and freedom.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hollow shank and rotating grip rod, equipped with a lower flap, allows access and gripping through slits, enabling manipulation of stacks without requiring access through free edges, and incorporates adjustment means for secure holding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional clamps are used to grip stacks of sheet materials, then the stacks can be handled in open areas, but access through small cutting slits between adjacent stacks is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The handling device is divided into separate functional components: a clamp unit for gripping the stack and a rotation unit with a drive shaft that can independently rotate the clamp. This segmentation allows the clamp to be inserted through cutting slits and then rotated to optimal gripping positions, solving both access and adaptability requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp is designed with rotational capability around the drive shaft, transforming it from a static gripping tool to a dynamic one that can adapt its orientation. This dynamic feature enables the clamp to access stacks through narrow slits and then rotate to achieve proper gripping angles, simultaneously improving ease of operation and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If devices act on stacks only through free side edges, then the structure is simple, but the handling freedom and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from one-dimensional edge-based gripping to three-dimensional volumetric gripping by inserting the clamp through cutting slits and rotating it to engage the stack from multiple angles. This dimensional change enables handling freedom without requiring proportionally complex device structures
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp design serves multiple functions: it can grip stacks through cutting slits, rotate to optimal positions, and handle stacks in various orientations. This multi-functionality increases handling freedom while keeping the device structure relatively simple through the use of a unified clamp-and-rotation mechanism
3Ease of operation
If the hollow shank rotates and moves vertically to grip through slits, then access through small gaps is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp is nested within the hollow shank, with the clamp rod moving vertically through the shank's interior. This nesting arrangement allows the rotation and vertical movement mechanisms to be contained within a compact structure, enabling access through small gaps while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
The device for handling elements, comprising a shank (4) provided with a stop (6); a rod (5) which is longitudinally movable and rotatable with respect to the shank (4), comprising a flap (7) at one end thereof, so as to define a clamp between the stop (6) and the flap (7) for gripping an element (1). The method comprises placing elements (1) separated by at least one slit (2) on a surface (3); inserting a tip of a shank (5) provided with a flap (7) inside the slit (2); placing a stop (6) in contact with the upper part of said element (1); rotating the shank (5), holding the element (1) on its upper part by means of the stop (6) and on its lower part by means of the flap (7); and separating the element (1).