Self-locking Height Adjustment Device for Transport Grippers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container transport systems require individual adjustment of gripping devices for different container sizes and shapes, which is time-consuming and costly, and necessitates specific manufacturing for each application.
Innovation Solution
A height adjustment device with a shaft having axial toothing and an adjustment unit comprising a gear engaging with the shaft's toothing, along with an adjustment element that can be self-locking to prevent automatic adjustment, allowing for easy and precise height adjustment of gripping devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gripping devices are rigidly mounted at a specific height on the drive shaft during assembly, then the transport device structure is simple and stable, but the height cannot be adjusted for different container sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transforming the rigid, fixed-height mounting into a dynamic, adjustable system. The carrier plate is equipped with an adjustment mechanism that includes a drive shaft with axial toothing and a gear-driven adjustment unit, allowing the height of the gripping devices to be dynamically changed according to different container requirements while maintaining structural stability during operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If individual adjustment of gripping devices is performed for different container sizes and shapes, then the adaptability to various containers is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a standardized height adjustment device that can accommodate multiple container types and sizes through a single adjustable mechanism. The carrier plate with its adjustment system serves multiple functions: it can be adjusted to different heights, locked in position, and reused across different applications, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing for each container type and significantly reducing installation and reconfiguration time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the adjustment unit is made self-locking to prevent automatic adjustment, then the height stability is improved, but the adjustment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by incorporating a self-locking mechanism that automatically maintains the adjusted height position without requiring continuous external control or additional complex actuation systems. The self-locking feature engages automatically when the adjustment element is moved, preventing automatic adjustment and ensuring height stability while minimizing the complexity of the overall control system.
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 height adjustment device simplifies the installation and adaptation of gripping devices for various container sizes and shapes, reducing the need for custom manufacturing and allowing universal use in different systems, while ensuring stability and precision in height adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
The adjustment unit (14) comprises a gear (18), wherein the gear (18) is arranged so as to engage with the toothing (16) of the shaft (12)
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment unit (14) is designed to be self-locking in order to prevent automatic adjustment of the adjustment unit (14) along the shaft (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a height adjustment device (10) for adjusting the height of a gripping and transporting device (60) for gripping, holding, guiding and transporting, in particular, bottle-like containers, comprising: - a shaft (12), wherein the shaft (12) has a toothing (16) at least in sections, wherein the toothing (16) is arranged axially along the shaft (12), and - an adjusting unit (14) comprising: - a gear (18), wherein the gear (18) is arranged so as to engage in the toothing (16) of the shaft (12), and - an adjusting element (20) for adjusting the adjusting unit (14) along the shaft (12), wherein the adjusting element (20) is coupled directly or indirectly to the gear (18), and wherein the adjusting unit (14) is designed to be self-locking in order to prevent automatic adjustment of the adjusting unit (14) along the shaft (12). Furthermore, the invention relates to a gripping and transport device (60).