Tangential Brake Element for Compact Gripper Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fixing systems for gripping or tensioning devices lack compactness and stability, with brake elements often radially attacking the brake section, leading to inefficiencies and potential instability.
Innovation Solution
A fixing system with a coupling link that features a tangentially attacking brake element, allowing for a compact and stable design. The brake element, which can be designed as a rack section or a wedge fork, interacts with a pinion or circular cylinder brake section to ensure secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If brake elements act radially against the brake section, then the locking force is sufficient, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having brake elements act radially inward toward the axis of rotation, the patent inverts the approach by having brake elements act tangentially on the braking section. This inversion changes the direction of the braking force from radial to tangential, allowing for a more compact design while maintaining sufficient locking capability through the interaction between the rack section and pinion teeth.
2Stability of the object's composition
If brake elements act radially against the brake section, then the locking mechanism is stable, but the device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking element with rack section is nested within the housing structure, allowing the locking mechanism to be compact. The rack section engages with the pinion teeth in a space-efficient manner, and the entire braking assembly can be retracted into the housing when not in use, minimizing the device volume while maintaining stability during operation.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is implemented with tangential braking, then the device volume decreases, but the locking reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rack section of the braking element engages with the pinion teeth in a self-locking manner. When the braking element is pressed against the braking section, the geometric relationship between the rack teeth and pinion teeth creates a self-sustaining locking action that maintains reliability without requiring additional complex mechanisms or continuous actuation force.
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 tangential attack of the brake element allows for a compact and stable fixing system, enabling secure locking of the coupling link and enhancing the stability and safety of the gripping or tensioning device.
Implementation Method 1
the braking element engages the braking section tangentially when moved into the locking position
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a locking device for a gripping or clamping apparatus having two basic jaws which can be moved closer to and away from one another, and a gripping or clamping apparatus comprising a locking device of said kind.