Rotating Gripper Centering for Irregular Sheet Metal Blanks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centering devices for sheet metal blanks are either complex in design or difficult to convert for different workpiece types, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage during the centering process, especially when handling irregularly shaped or multiple small metal sheets.

Innovation Solution

A centering device with freely rotatable gripping devices and horizontal guiding mechanisms allows for simple and precise centering, enabling the device to be universally used across various workpieces by maintaining constant distance between gripping devices and accommodating rotations, with optional active rotation support and a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If robot arms and grippers are used to grip and center workpieces, then centering precision is improved, but device cost and operational complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering precisionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex robot arm systems with a simpler mechanical guiding device that uses guided gripping devices to achieve centering. The gripping devices are guided along predetermined paths to automatically center workpieces, eliminating the need for complex robot control systems while maintaining centering precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device enables the gripping devices to automatically center workpieces through predetermined motion paths without requiring complex external control. The system self-adjusts to center various workpiece types through the mechanical guidance mechanism, reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If mechanical slides and stops are used for centering, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different workpiece types deteriorates due to complicated conversion requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different workpiece types

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs gripping devices that can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations along guided paths. This dynamic capability allows the same simple mechanical guiding device to accommodate various workpiece types and sizes by programmatically adjusting the gripping device trajectories, eliminating the need for physical reconfiguration of slides and stops.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guiding device serves multiple functions: it guides gripping devices for different workpiece types, enables centering for various geometries, and accommodates different sizes through programmable motion paths. This universal design eliminates the need for dedicated slides and stops for each workpiece type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple slides and stops are used for irregularly shaped or small metal sheets, then centering precision is improved, but device complexity and risk of workpiece damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentering precisionVSAvoidnumber of slides and stops

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces multiple mechanical slides and stops with a guided gripping device system that uses controlled motion along predetermined paths. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical components while maintaining centering precision for irregularly shaped and small workpieces through programmable positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If mechanical slides are used for centering, then device simplicity is improved, but workpiece integrity deteriorates due to potential damage during centering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidworkpiece damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The guided gripping devices automatically adjust their motion paths and positioning to gently center workpieces without requiring complex mechanical adjustments. The system self-regulates the gripping force and motion to prevent damage while maintaining simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11590553B2Centering device

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 GUDEL AG

AI summary

A centering device (1) for centering flat workpieces (700-706) comprises a centering station (100) having at least a first and a second gripping device (300, 301) for gripping the workpiece (700-706), and conveying means for conveying workpieces (700-706) in a conveying direction to the centering station (100). The first and the second gripping device (300, 301) can each be moved horizontally by a first and a second guiding device (200, 201), respectively, and the first and the second gripping device (300, 301) can rotate freely about an axis.