Split Driveshaft Gripper Mechanism for Robotic Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gripper mechanisms are cumbersome to manufacture and assemble, with rigid torque transmission that limits their usability and requires multiple parts, leading to inefficient force distribution and potential component breakage during operation.
Innovation Solution
A multi-sectional driveshaft design with axial tooth intermeshing and separate bearing journals allows for flexible assembly and torque transmission, enabling variable twisting angles and improved resistance to bending and torque, while also allowing for a more integrated and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the driveshaft is designed as an integral unit with bearing journals on both sides, then the torque transmission is rigid and reliable, but the assembly becomes cumbersome and the casing must be divided into multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
The driveshaft is divided into multiple sections (at least two sections) that can be assembled separately. Each section has bearing journals that are axially and radially mounted in the structure on both sides by fixed-loose or journal bearings. The sections are connected through axial tooth intermeshing or axial pin connections, allowing the driveshaft to be assembled in a modular fashion without dividing the casing into multiple parts.
2Reliability
If the driveshaft is designed as an integral unit, then the torque transmission is fixed and reliable, but the adaptability to different positions and applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-sectional design with axial tooth intermeshing or axial pin connections allows the driveshaft sections to be positioned at variable twisting angles relative to each other. This dynamic configuration enables the driveshaft to adapt to different positions and applications while maintaining reliable torque transmission through the intermeshing teeth or pin connections between sections.
3Ease of manufacture
If the casing is composed of multiple bolted parts for assembly reasons, then the manufacturing is possible, but the assembly becomes particularly cumbersome and force distribution is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The driveshaft is segmented into multiple sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together using axial tooth intermeshing or axial pin connections. This segmentation allows each section to be manufactured independently with standard processes while enabling efficient assembly of the complete driveshaft without requiring the casing to be divided into multiple bolted parts, thereby improving assembly efficiency.
4Device complexity
If the driveshaft is divided into multiple sections, then the assembly is simplified and adaptability is improved, but the centering and torque transmission between sections becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Axial tooth intermeshing or axial pin connections serve as intermediary mechanisms between the driveshaft sections. These intermediaries provide precise centering and alignment for the sections while facilitating torque transmission. The tooth intermeshing or pin connections act as mediating elements that ensure accurate positioning and reliable force transfer between sections, simplifying the overall assembly process.
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper mechanism for machines, robots and manipulation devices, comprising at least one moving gripping finger, driven by a driveshaft of multiple parts, a crank, belt or gear shaft, wherein the centering of the parts relative to each other and the transmission of the torque from a driving part to the next part, up to the gripping finger, is achieved by means of axial toothing, preferably a pinion gearing with pins and drillings. The driveshaft is preferably provided with a carrying support bearing. As a result of the splitting of the driveshaft, it is possible to cast the housing in one piece with two cavities for housing the operating unit and the transmission. The gripping finger or the lever driving the gripping finger are externally fixed to the driveshaft in an axial manner.