Self-Centering Gripper Handling System for Symmetric Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for handling containers with industrial machines require dedicated equipment and patterns for each container size, leading to long machine downtimes, excessive storage needs, and high costs due to the need for multiple sets of equipment and manual loading/unloading processes.
Innovation Solution
A container feeding device with self-centering gripper clamping assemblies and support bases that adapt to different container sizes without requiring dedicated equipment or patterns, using a channelling device with adjustable advancement velocities and independent kinematic mechanisms for precise positioning of containers along a predetermined path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dedicated equipment and patterns are provided for each container size, then handling precision is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single handling system with adjustable parameters that can accommodate multiple container sizes. The support base with adjustable support surface and the gripper with adjustable clamping force enable one device to handle various container types, eliminating the need for dedicated equipment for each size while maintaining precise handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through adjustable parameters including the support surface position, gripper clamping force, and advancement velocity. These dynamic adjustments allow the system to adapt to different container sizes and characteristics, providing precise handling without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated equipment is assembled and disassembled for each container size change, then adaptability is improved, but productivity decreases due to long machine downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic parameters such as adjustable support surface position and gripper clamping force that can be modified quickly through programming or manual adjustment rather than physical reassembly. This enables rapid adaptation to different container sizes without stopping production for equipment changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters including support surface position, gripper force, and conveyor velocity to accommodate different container sizes. These parameter adjustments can be made rapidly without disassembling equipment, thereby maintaining high productivity while achieving full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of dedicated patterns are stored in large warehouses, then adaptability is improved, but loss of space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The handling system is designed as a universal device that can accommodate multiple container sizes through adjustable parameters rather than requiring separate dedicated patterns for each size. This eliminates the need for large warehouses to store multiple sets of patterns while maintaining full adaptability across container types.
4Ease of operation
If manual or special dedicated machinery is used for loading and unloading containers, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support base with adjustable support surface and the gripper with adaptive clamping automatically adapt to different container sizes and shapes. The system performs self-adjustment through programmed parameters or sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual intervention or special dedicated loading machinery while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A handling system (1) of containers (2) provided with a mouthpiece (3) and a symmetry plane (Y) passing through the mouthpiece (3) comprises: a feed conveyor (4) provided at the outlet with a channelling device (5) advancing a plurality of containers (2) along a main feeding direction (X); a transportation device (8) arranged downstream the feed conveyor (4) provided with a plurality of feed elements (8c) that can be, each one, coupled to a respective support unit (9) provided with a respective clamping assembly (12). The system also comprises a control unit which synchronizes the advancement of the containers (2) arriving from the feed conveyor (4) and the advancement of each feed element (8c) of the transportation device (8) so as to align a virtual reference point (D) identified on each support unit (9) associated to a respective feed element (8c) and a reference axis (E) of the mouthpiece (3) of the containers (2) to be transported.