Spring-Locked Gripper for Sheet Stacks Through Narrow Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grippers cannot access and handle stacks of sheet materials through small gaps or cutting grooves, limiting their handling efficiency and freedom, especially when stacks are adjacent to each other.
Innovation Solution
A device with a longitudinally movable and rotatable stem and a flange, featuring a gripper mechanism that can access and clamp elements through gaps or grooves, using a compression spring for automatic locking and unlocking, and a locking element for secure clamping, suitable for manual and automated use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing grippers are used to handle stacks of sheet materials, then the stacks can be grasped from the sides, but access through small gaps or cutting grooves between adjacent stacks is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of approaching the stack from the top or sides as conventional grippers do, this invention inserts the gripper mechanism from the bottom through the gap between adjacent stacks. The stem with flange and stop components are introduced upward through the cutting groove, inverting the traditional approach to enable access where side-access grippers fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal/side-based gripping to vertical/bottom-based gripping by inserting the stem through the gap from below. This dimensional change allows the gripper to access stacks through the vertical space created by cutting grooves, overcoming the limitation of existing side-access grippers.
2Ease of operation
If a gripper mechanism is inserted through a small cutting groove to access the bottom of a stack, then access is enabled, but the mechanism must be compact and precise
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring automatically pushes the stop and flange into the correct gripping position against the sheet material once the stem is inserted through the gap. This self-actuating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external positioning systems or precise manual alignment, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring converts the insertion motion of the stem into the gripping force applied by the stop and flange. As the stem is pushed through the gap, the spring compresses and then expands to automatically engage the gripping surfaces with the sheet material, adapting the mechanism to work with varying gap sizes and material thicknesses.
3Reliability
If the stop and flange are held in constant contact with the sheet material, then secure gripping is achieved, but the mechanism cannot be inserted or removed
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: during insertion/removal, the stem moves freely through the gap with the stop and flange disengaged; during gripping, the compression spring activates to push the stop and flange into contact with the sheet material. This dynamic switching enables both easy insertion and secure gripping.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring is pre-loaded to exert a preliminary force that automatically engages the stop and flange with the sheet material once insertion is complete. This preliminary action ensures secure gripping is established before the operator needs to apply additional force, while allowing easy insertion since no force is required during the insertion phase itself.
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 efficient handling and transport of sheet material stacks without unravelling, allowing access through small gaps and ensuring secure clamping and stability during manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
actuating a compression spring (16) fitted with a cap (14), which moves the locking element (10)
Implementation Method 2
the body preferably comprises a spiral (8) which causes the stem to rotate when the body moves longitudinally relative to the stem
Implementation Method 3
The upper surface of the flange defines a gripping surface, such that a gripper is defined between the stop and the gripping surface of the flange for holding an element
Data Source
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).