Sliding Shaft Gripping Device for Load Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices can apply a large load on workpieces when the gripping portion continues to extend after contact, potentially damaging the workpiece or the gripping mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A gripping device with a sliding shaft portion relative to a support portion, a displacement sensor, and a control unit that adjusts the gripping portion's position based on detected displacement, allowing the shaft to slide when a load is applied, preventing excessive pressure and enabling precise timing for transitioning from the open to closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the air cylinder continues to extend after the gripping body contacts the workpiece, then the gripping portion presses the workpiece hard, but a large load acts on the gripping portion which may damage the workpiece or gripping mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft portion is designed to be movable relative to the support portion through a sliding mechanism, allowing the system to dynamically adjust during the gripping process. When the gripping body contacts the workpiece, the shaft can slide within the support portion, enabling the air cylinder to continue extending without transmitting excessive force to the gripping portion, thus preventing damage while maintaining effective gripping force
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft portion acts as an intermediary element between the air cylinder and the gripping body. It absorbs the excess movement and force from the air cylinder through controlled sliding, preventing this harmful force from reaching the gripping portion while still allowing the air cylinder to perform its extension function
2Productivity
If the air cylinder extends continuously, then the gripping portion can reach the workpiece, but it cannot precisely control the timing of transitioning from open to closed position
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects the position of the shaft portion relative to the support portion and provides feedback to the control unit. When the sensor detects that the shaft has slid a predetermined distance (indicating gripping body contact), it triggers the control unit to switch the air cylinder from extension mode to depression mode, achieving precise timing control for the gripping operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning mechanisms with a sensor-based detection system and control unit. Instead of using complex mechanical stops or positioners, the system uses electronic sensing of the shaft's sliding position to control the air cylinder, achieving higher precision and faster response
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
Prevents large loads from acting on the gripping or workpiece, ensures accurate gripping, and reduces the risk of damaging the workpiece by allowing the shaft to slide relative to the support when contact is made, enabling controlled and precise operation.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft portion is slidable relative to the support portion
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping device includes: a gripping portion configured to be displaced between a closed position in which a workpiece is grasped and an open position in which the workpiece is released; a holding portion configured to hold the gripping portion; a shaft portion that extends from the holding portion; a support portion configured to support the shaft portion such that the gripping portion faces the workpiece; a driving unit configured to displace the gripping portion between the closed position and the open position; and a moving mechanism configured to move the support portion in an axial direction of the shaft portion, in which the support portion is configured to support the shaft portion such that when a load acts on the shaft portion in the axial direction, the shaft portion is slidable relative to the support portion.