Spring-Loaded Specimen Holder for Grip Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
In materials testing, the fast closing gripping mechanism poses a pinch hazard to users, requiring slowed operation to avoid injury, which compromises productivity and accurate specimen placement.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded specimen holder with an adjustable stop allows users to position specimens safely and remotely operate the grip, using a low-force mechanism to hold the specimen in place between jaws, and optionally includes a pneumatic cylinder for automatic opening and force control during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the jaw closing speed is slowed to allow user withdrawal, then safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping system is divided into two independent parts: a spring-loaded holder that provides initial specimen retention with low force, and the main grip that provides final secure gripping with high force. This segmentation allows the specimen to be positioned safely in the holder before the grip activates, eliminating the need to slow down the grip closing speed while maintaining safety during specimen loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded holder acts as an intermediary device between the user and the high-force grip mechanism. It temporarily holds the specimen in position with low holding force during positioning, then transfers the specimen to the grip which provides the final high-force secure gripping. This intermediary allows safe specimen placement without compromising the speed or force of the main gripping action.
2Ease of operation
If the jaw face opening is increased to allow specimen insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but safety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the specimen insertion function from the final gripping function. The spring-loaded holder with its open structure allows easy specimen insertion from the front, while the main grip with large jaw opening provides secure final gripping. This segmentation allows both a large opening for easy insertion and safety, as the specimen is secured in the holder before the grip closes.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded holder serves as an intermediary that receives the specimen first through its open structure, then transfers it to the main grip. This allows the jaw face opening to remain large for ease of operation while the holder provides the initial safe positioning, eliminating the pinch hazard associated with large openings.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a spring-loaded holder is added to enable safe remote operation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded holder is designed to be self-actuating through a simple spring mechanism that automatically provides holding force when the specimen is inserted. The spring expands to engage and hold the specimen without requiring external power sources, complex control systems, or additional actuators. This self-service approach provides safety functionality while minimizing the addition of complex controlled mechanisms.
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
Enables safe and efficient specimen loading and testing by allowing users to move away from the grip before activation, maintaining productivity while ensuring safety and precise specimen positioning, with the option to prevent stray forces during testing.
Implementation Method 1
The device employs a low-force spring mechanism with sufficient holding force to support the weight of the specimen
Implementation Method 2
an optional pneumatic cylinder can be added to allow the specimen holder to automatically open once the grip force on the specimen reaches a certain preset point
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a specimen holder for a grip used in materials, or similar testing. The user can position a specimen or testing sample within the open jaw, and then remove his or her hands to a safe location before activating the grip to grip the specimen.