Integrated Support Plate Fixing Sockets for Gripping Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for gripping and guiding containers require a large number of components and additional weight due to a separate base pedestal, leading to increased manufacturing and assembly costs, as well as weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A carrying device with integrated receptacles for gripping arm pivot axes and a control shaft, made of lightweight plastic with a reinforcing element and a connecting disk, eliminates the need for a separate base pedestal, allowing direct mounting on a drive shaft and reducing component count and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate base pedestal is used to accommodate pivot axes and control shaft, then the gripping device is stable and reliable, but the number of components increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base pedestal function directly into the carrier plate by forming receptacles (first, second, and third receptacles) directly in the carrier plate structure. This integration eliminates the separate base pedestal component while maintaining the stability function, as the receptacles provide adequate support for the pivot axes and control shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier plate is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as the mounting structure for gripping devices, provides receptacles for pivot axes, supports control shafts, and acts as the structural base. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for dedicated base pedestals while maintaining all necessary support functions.
2Reliability
If a separate base pedestal is used for each gripping device, then the gripping device is stable, but the weight of the transport device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base pedestal function is merged into the carrier plate structure through integrated receptacles. This eliminates redundant structural components and reduces the overall weight of the transport device while maintaining the necessary support and stability functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If a separate base pedestal is used, then the gripping device can be properly positioned, but the manufacturing and assembly costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plate is designed with integrated receptacles that combine the positioning and support functions previously requiring separate base pedestals. This reduction in component count simplifies manufacturing processes and assembly operations, thereby reducing costs while maintaining positioning accuracy through the precisely formed receptacles.
4Productivity
If the carrier plate radius is increased to accommodate more gripping devices, then more containers can be transported, but the weight and complexity of the transport device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the carrier plate from metal to plastic, significantly reducing the weight and complexity of the carrier plate structure. This allows for larger radius carrier plates that can accommodate more gripping devices and transport more containers, while the plastic material keeps the overall weight and complexity manageable.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a carrying device, in particular a support plate, for a transport device with gripping devices for gripping, holding, and/or guiding containers, as well as to a transport device with the aforementioned carrying device. With the aim of reducing the weight, the number of components, and thus the manufacturing and assembly effort, as well as the associated time and costs of a transport device or carrying device, a aforementioned carrying device is provided which has at least a first, second, and third receptacle for each gripping device for receiving and securing a first gripping arm pivot axis of the first gripping arm, a second gripping arm pivot axis of the second gripping arm, and a control shaft arranged between the first and second gripping arms for opening or closing the gripping device.