Spring-Loaded Gripping Device for Automatic Bearing Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing gripping devices for removing parts like roller bearings and sleeves from a housing are cumbersome due to their complexity and inability to adapt to different sizes, often requiring manual adjustments and multiple parts.

Innovation Solution

A semi-automatic gripping device with a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts to various inner ring diameters by moving the inner and outer bodies along a symmetry axis, featuring a central thorn, inner and outer bodies, and movable arms with slots and claws, allowing for easy assembly and operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spring-loaded mechanism is used to automatically adjust gripping positions, then adaptability to different sizes is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different inner ring diametersVSAvoidcomplexity of gripping device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gripping device is designed with a spring-loaded mechanism that enables a single device to adapt to multiple sizes of inner rings automatically. The spring allows the jaws to adjust their gripping position based on the diameter of the inner ring, making the device universal for different bearing sizes without requiring multiple specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The gripping device incorporates a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the gripping position based on the size of the inner ring. The spring allows the jaws to move and adapt their position dynamically, transforming a static gripping device into a dynamic one that can handle various dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustments are required for different sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of use for different sizesVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded mechanism enables the gripping device to self-adjust to different inner ring diameters without requiring manual intervention. The spring automatically positions the jaws according to the size of the inner ring, making the device self-servicing and eliminating the need for operator adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is pre-loaded to provide the necessary force for automatic adjustment. This preliminary action of the spring ensures that when the gripping device is engaged with an inner ring, the jaws automatically move to the correct gripping position without requiring the operator to manually adjust them.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple gripping positions are provided for different sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of gripping positionsVSAvoidcomplexity of position adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spring-loaded mechanism enables a single gripping device to provide multiple gripping positions for different inner ring diameters. Instead of requiring separate devices or complex adjustment mechanisms, the spring allows one device to perform multiple functions across a range of sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism allows the gripping device to change its gripping parameter (position) based on the diameter of the inner ring. By varying the diameter of the inner ring, the spring automatically adjusts the gripping position, enabling the device to adapt to different parameters without complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device provides a secure, efficient, and easy-to-use solution for removing parts of different sizes without manual adjustments, enhancing stability and reliability through spring-loaded action and adaptable gripping positions, and can be integrated with force generators for enhanced performance.

Implementation Method 1

a spring (6) positioned in between the inner body (5) and the outer body (4) which spring (6) is adapted to force the gripping device to a first gripping position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2066478B1Gripping device
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 AB SKF SKF PATENT DEPARTMENT
  • EP2066478B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2066478B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c
  • EP2066478B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a gripping device comprising a cylindrical thorn (3), an inner body (5) and an outer body (4) with a plurality of movable arms (2), each arm comprising a claw (10), wherein the thorn (3) and the inner body (5) are directly coupled to one another, wherein a spring (6) adapted to force the extractor device to a first position is positioned in between the inner body (5) and the outer body (4), and wherein the gripping device is adapted to be set in a plurality of other positions by moving the inner body (5) and the outer body (4) relative to each other along the symmetry axis (11 ). The advantage of the invention is to provide a gripping device for the removal of circular inserts, such as bearings, sleeves, etc. that is easy and reliable to use and that is adapted to grip different sizes of inserts.