Star Conveyor Gripper with Independent Positioning Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices for transport stars are costly to produce and maintain, with high material expenditure and wear issues due to asymmetric positioning loads, which affect the precision and durability of vessel gripping.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an independent positioning element that positions the vessel along at least one axis, separate from the gripping arms, with adjustable positioning stops and an adhesive coating for secure grip, reducing material and space requirements while enhancing precision and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If centering toothing is arranged on counter-arms to couple gripping arms in movement, then vessel positioning precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the centering function from the gripping arms and counter-arms by introducing a separate positioning element. This positioning element is coupled to the base body and independently positions the vessel, eliminating the need for complex centering toothing on the gripping arms while maintaining positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the positioning function from the gripping function. The positioning element is a separate component coupled to the base body, independent from the gripping arms. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without the complexity of integrated centering mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If compression spring and camshaft are used to control gripping device movement, then gripping action is achieved, but material expenditure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from the gripping mechanism by introducing a separate positioning element coupled to the base body. This eliminates the need for additional centering toothing and reduces the overall material requirements while maintaining the gripping action through the simplified gripping arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness over durability, allowing the use of simpler materials and designs that reduce overall manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If gripping arms point radially outwards and counter-arms point radially inwards, then vessel gripping is achieved, but asymmetric positioning loads cause wear
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from the gripping arms by introducing a separate positioning element coupled to the base body. This positioning element handles the asymmetric positioning loads independently, preventing these loads from affecting the gripping arms and extending their service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element acts as an intermediary component that absorbs and manages the asymmetric positioning loads. By coupling the positioning element to the base body rather than the gripping arms, it mediates the forces and protects the gripping mechanism from wear.
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 solution allows for precise and secure gripping of vessels with reduced wear on components, lower material costs, and easier adaptation to different vessel sizes, improving the overall efficiency and longevity of the gripping device.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive coating for secure grip
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a transport star (1) and a gripping device (2) for such a transport star or similar transport device, with pairwise corresponding gripping arms (4) for gripping and holding a container (3) or similar body in a gripping position, wherein the gripping device (2) has at least one positioning element (6) independent of the gripping arms (4), which is designed such that it positions the container (3) to be gripped at least along one axis in the gripping position.