Tiltable Supporter Mechanism for Workpiece Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices often damage workpieces during transfer due to inadequate support and gripping mechanisms, particularly when tilting or placing them, as they concentrate reaction forces that can dent or damage packaged items.
Innovation Solution
A holding device comprising a supporter and a gripper with a tiltable mechanism, where the supporter can change its tilt with respect to the gripping surface, dispersing the weight of the workpiece and reducing the likelihood of damage by allowing controlled placement and transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional holding device uses a fixed supporter and gripper configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the workpiece is damaged during transfer due to concentrated reaction forces
Solution Approach 1:
The supporter is made tiltable relative to the gripper, allowing the configuration to dynamically adjust during transfer operations. This dynamic adjustment enables the supporter to tilt during placement, dispersing reaction forces and preventing workpiece damage while maintaining structural feasibility through controlled motion degrees of freedom
2Reliability
If the supporter tilt is fixed, then the device is easier to control, but the placement process damages the workpiece due to concentrated forces
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable supporter provides dynamic control capability, allowing operators to adjust the tilt angle during placement operations to optimize force distribution. This enhances workpiece protection while maintaining operational control through adjustable rather than fixed geometry
3Reliability
If the supporter is rigid and fixed in position, then the gripping mechanism is simpler, but the placement process concentrates reaction forces that dent or damage packaged items
Solution Approach 1:
The tiltable supporter introduces a controlled degree of freedom that allows the gripping mechanism to adapt its orientation during placement. This dynamic adjustment disperses reaction forces across a larger area of the workpiece, preventing damage while adding only moderate complexity through the tilt mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a holding device (100) includes a supporter (10), a gripper (20), and a first driver (31). The supporter (10) supports a weight of a workpiece (W) in a first direction. The gripper (20) includes a gripping surface (22) that grips the workpiece (W) in a second direction crossing the first direction. The first driver (31) moves the supporter (10) with respect to the gripper (20) in the second direction. A tilt of the supporter (10) is changeable with respect to the gripping surface (22) along a plane including the first and second directions.