Spring-Locked Gap-Access Gripper for Sheet Stacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices struggle to handle stacks of sheet materials through small gaps or cutting grooves, limiting the freedom and efficiency of handling, as they require access only through free edges, which is not feasible in all scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A device with a longitudinally movable and rotatable stem, featuring a flange and stop, allows gripping through gaps or small grooves, using a compression spring for automatic locking and unlocking, and includes a spiral for automatic rotation, ensuring secure clamping and easy identification of the gripper's state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing grippers are used to access the bottom of stacks, then gripping capability is achieved, but access is limited to areas without adjacent stacks, reducing handling flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into two independent parts: a body that approaches the stack from above and a stem that passes through the cutting groove to reach the bottom. This segmentation allows the gripper to access stacks through small gaps that would be impossible for a single monolithic gripper, while maintaining secure gripping capability at the bottom surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper transitions from a single-dimensional approach (only from free edges) to a multi-dimensional approach by allowing the stem to pass through the cutting groove vertically. This enables access from both above and through the gap, significantly increasing the operational space and handling flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gripper is designed to access through cutting grooves, then handling through gaps is enabled, but the gripper structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into two independent parts: a body that approaches the stack from above and a stem that passes through the cutting groove to reach the bottom. This segmentation allows the gripper to access stacks through small gaps that would be impossible for a single monolithic gripper, while maintaining secure gripping capability at the bottom surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting groove itself serves as an intermediary pathway that enables the stem to pass through. By utilizing the existing cutting groove structure as a mediator, the gripper can access the bottom of stacks through gaps without requiring additional complex opening mechanisms or structural modifications to the stack arrangement.
3Manufacturing precision
If the stem is made movable and rotatable for better gripping, then gripping precision is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is designed with dynamic capabilities, allowing it to move longitudinally relative to the body and rotate around its axis. This dynamic design enables the stem to adapt to different stack positions and orientations, improving gripping precision and reliability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem's movability and rotatability are achieved through simple mechanical interfaces with the body, allowing the stem to self-adjust its position and orientation during the gripping process. This self-service capability improves gripping precision without requiring complex external control 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 secure and efficient handling of stacks through small gaps without disturbing adjacent stacks, facilitating both manual and automated operations, with visual and magnetic aids for secure clamping and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
the stop is movable between a free position and a holding position, the stop moving from its free position to its holding position when the stem moves longitudinally relative to the body, in turn actuating a compression spring
Implementation Method 2
the body also comprises a spiral which causes the stem to rotate when the body moves longitudinally relative to the stem
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The device for handling elements comprises a body (4) fitted with a stop (6); a stem (5) which is longitudinally movable and rotatable relative to the body (4), the stem comprising a flange (7) at one end with a gripping surface (22), wherein the stop (6) is movable between a release position and a gripping position, the stop (6) moving from its release position to its gripping position when the stem (5) is longitudinally displaced relative to the body (4) by actuating a compression spring (16); and the body (4) also comprises a closing spring (9) which actuates a locking element (10) that locks the stem (5) relative to the body (4).