Shell Gripping Device Cam Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for large caliber shells are complex and rely on expensive actuators, which reduces their reliability due to the risk of breakdowns and still require an actuator for shell release.
Innovation Solution
A simplified gripping device with a pair of jaws that pivot around a longitudinal axis, using a cam and notch mechanism to hold the jaws in a closed position without the need for a powered actuator, and includes elastic means to return the cam and pallet to block the opening of the jaws, ensuring secure grip and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex actuators such as jacks or motors are used to grip and release shells, then the gripping function is achieved, but the device becomes expensive and less reliable due to breakdown risks
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex powered actuators (jacks or motors) from the gripping device, replacing them with a passive mechanical cam-based locking mechanism. The cam and notched jaw design allows the jaws to be held securely in the closed position without requiring continuous power or complex control systems, thereby removing the source of reliability issues while maintaining the gripping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device utilizes the weight of the shell itself and the mechanical interaction between the cam and notched jaw to maintain the gripping state. The spring-loaded jaw automatically engages with the cam profile to lock in position, and the system self-regulates without requiring external power or complex control mechanisms, making the device simpler and more reliable.
2Ease of operation
If an actuator is used to rotate jaws for shell release, then the release function is achieved, but the device still requires powered components that reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the auxiliary actuator that was previously required to rotate the jaws for shell release. Instead, the cam mechanism itself is designed to automatically disengage from the notched jaw through its rotational movement, allowing the shell to be released by simply rotating the cam body without requiring additional powered components.
Solution Approach 2:
The release function is merged into the cam's primary rotational movement. The same cam that provides the locking mechanism during gripping also provides the release mechanism through its rotation, eliminating the need for separate actuators and simplifying the overall device operation while improving reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the jaw pivot axis is located between upper and lower ends, then the jaw can be closed by pressing the upper end, but the jaw opening stroke needs to be limited for safe operation
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw opening stroke limitation is merged into the cam's geometric profile. The cam surface is designed with a specific contour that naturally limits the rotation of the notched jaw to a safe opening angle. As the cam rotates, its profile guides the jaw through the opening motion and automatically stops at the predetermined limit, combining the limitation function with the existing cam mechanism without adding separate limiting devices.
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 eliminates the need for energy-consuming actuators, enhancing reliability and safety by providing a more straightforward operation and improved shell holding mechanism, ensuring secure grip and release without the risk of mechanical failure.
Implementation Method 1
the gripping device comprises an elastic means intended to return the cam and the pallet to a position tending to block the opening of the jaws
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a shell gripping device (1) for a shell (100) and a stretcher (200) for receiving the shell (100). The device (1) comprises two pairs of jaws (5) for gripping a shell (100), each jaw (5) pivoting between an open position and a closed position about a pivot axis (6) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shell (100), the pivot axis (6) of each jaw (5) being located between a lower end and an upper end of the jaw (5), the upper end of each jaw (5) allowing the jaw (5) to be closed by pressing this upper end against a shell (100) to be gripped, the upper end of each jaw (5) having a notch for interfering with a lug of a cam to hold the jaws (5) in the closed position. This gripping device is characterized in that the cam (9) has a stop (8) intended to limit the opening stroke of the jaw (5).