Sheet Handling Fixture With Passive Joints for Lighter Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material handling devices are heavy, complex, and unreliable due to numerous electric motors and control units, leading to high weight, increased failure risk, and operational downtime for shape and size adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A sheet material handling device comprising a handling fixture with passive joints and a separate adjusting fixture, utilizing a support frame with pivotally connected semi-arms, passive joint brakes, and centralized control lines for electrical and hydraulic power distribution, reducing the need for individual electric drives and control units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If magnetic clips with electromagnets are used to firmly grip steel sheets, then the gripping force is improved, but the weight of the handling device increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces magnetic fields with vacuum pressure to achieve gripping. Instead of using electromagnets that generate magnetic force, the invention uses vacuum grippers that create a pressure difference (vacuum) to hold the sheet material firmly on the gripper surface, eliminating the need for heavy electromagnetic components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs vacuum technology (a form of pneumatic system) to create the gripping force. A vacuum pump or compressor generates negative pressure, and this vacuum force is transmitted through channels to the gripper surfaces, enabling firm holding of sheet materials without mechanical or magnetic contact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors are installed in each arm for active geometry adjustment, then the adaptability to different sheet shapes and sizes is improved, but the device complexity and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability through passive joints with brakes instead of active motors. The arms can be repositioned by operators who release the brakes and manually adjust the joint positions, then re-engage the brakes to lock the new configuration. This provides adaptability to different sheet geometries while avoiding complex motorized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive joints with brakes enable the structure to maintain its position without continuous power or control systems. Once adjusted to a new configuration, the brake mechanism self-locks the joint in place, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, and control units that would otherwise be required to maintain arm positions.
3Measurement precision
If multiple individual control units are used for each vacuum head and actuator, then the control precision is improved, but the weight and cost of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple individual control functions into a single centralized control unit. Instead of having separate control electronics for each vacuum head and actuator, all control signals are managed from one location, reducing the total weight of control systems while maintaining the ability to precisely control each component through the centralized 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 solution results in a lighter, simpler, and more reliable handling device with reduced failure risk and operational downtime, allowing for efficient adjustment to various sheet sizes and shapes without the need for extensive reconfiguration.
Implementation Method 1
the pivotal connection between the at least two semi-arms, and/or the at least two arms, and the support frame includes a rotatable joint with a joint coupling provided with a joint brake
Implementation Method 2
The gripper, when attached to the sheet metal, creates an insulated cavity between the sheet metal and the gripper, from which air is sucked out and the resulting vacuum creates a clamping force holding the sheet metal to the gripper
Data Source
AI summary
A sheet material handling equipment includes a handling fixture having a frame adapted for attachment to a robot or manipulator; at least two arms anchored to the frame, each arm being formed by at least two semi-arms pivotally connected to each other and including a gripping member at its free end, the pivotal connection including a rotatable joint with a joint coupling having a joint brake, which are passive with a pressure or electric lock; and a first control line for distributing electrical power, and/or air, and/or hydraulic fluid for controlling the joint and/or the gripping member connected via an adapter to (a) an electrical power supply, and/or hydraulic fluid, and/or air to the robot or manipulator and to (b) a work line control unit, and an adjusting fixture structured to actively adjust a position of at least one of the arms and/or to unlock the joint brake.