Sensor-Integrated Gripping Jaws for Reliable Workpiece Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniature gripping tongs lack effective sensor systems due to their small size, preventing reliable detection of workpiece gripping and presence, which is crucial for secure and damage-free handling in industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
Designating at least one gripping jaw as a sensor that emits a signal when gripping a workpiece, utilizing integrated resonant electrical circuits, capacitive, inductive, or resistive sensing technologies to detect jaw position and workpiece presence, and incorporating a synchronization element for centered jaw closure and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional external sensors are added to miniature gripping tongs, then detection capability is improved, but weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor functions are merged with the gripping jaws themselves. The first gripping jaw incorporates a resonant electrical circuit with coil and ferrite core, while the second gripping jaw uses electrically conductive material, transforming the gripping components into integrated sensor elements that detect workpiece presence through electromagnetic interactions without requiring separate external sensor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping jaws serve dual functions: mechanically grasping the workpiece and simultaneously detecting its presence. The sensor-integrated jaws perform both the gripping function and the detection function, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall system weight and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If additional external sensors are added to miniature gripping tongs, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor functions are merged with the gripping jaws themselves. The first gripping jaw incorporates a resonant electrical circuit with coil and ferrite core, while the second gripping jaw uses electrically conductive material, transforming the gripping components into integrated sensor elements that detect workpiece presence through electromagnetic interactions without requiring separate external sensor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping jaws serve dual functions: mechanically grasping the workpiece and simultaneously detecting its presence. The sensor-integrated jaws perform both the gripping function and the detection function, eliminating the need for separate sensor components and reducing overall system weight and complexity.
3Reliability
If sensor technology is integrated into miniature gripping jaws, then detection reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor functionality is implemented locally within specific gripping jaw components using standard electromagnetic elements (coils, ferrite cores, conductive materials) rather than requiring complex integrated circuits or specialized sensor manufacturing processes. This allows conventional manufacturing techniques to be used while achieving reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses changes in electromagnetic parameters (resonant frequency, electrical conductivity) of the gripping jaw materials and structures to detect workpiece presence. By monitoring parameter changes in the integrated circuits connected to the sensor jaws, reliable detection is achieved through well-established electromagnetic measurement techniques.
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
Enables reliable detection of workpiece gripping and secure holding without additional external sensors, reducing weight and enhancing opening and closing speed, suitable for miniature tongs and ensuring secure, damage-free handling of various workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant electrical circuit (oscillator) with a coil is integrated into the first gripper jaw, which is designed as a sensor. The resonant electrical circuit is configured to oscillate when a supply voltage is applied and to generate an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The resonant electrical circuit is configured to oscillate when a supply voltage is applied and to generate an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 3
The resonant electrical circuit has a ferrite core in which the coil is located to direct the electromagnetic field generated by the oscillator to a gripping area between the first and second gripper jaws
Implementation Method 4
By detecting changes in the oscillator voltage, it is possible to determine the relative position of the gripping jaws
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a gripping tool, in particular a pneumatically actuated gripping tool. The gripping tool has a housing in which a preferably pneumatically actuated linear drive is formed. Furthermore, a first and a second gripping jaw are provided, which are mounted to be movable relative to each other and relative to the housing, in particular pivotable. In order to be able to detect, especially with miniature gripping tools of this type, whether a workpiece (item to be gripped) has been effectively gripped, the invention provides that one of the two gripping jaws of the gripping tool itself is designed as a sensor and serves to emit a corresponding signal when a workpiece is gripped by the gripping jaws of the gripping tool and/or when the gripping tool is in its closed state.