Toggle Lever Gripper with Variable Force Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping and lifting devices have limitations in adjustable force transmission, width adjustment, and versatility, leading to potential damage of sensitive objects, insufficient clamping force for heavy objects, and inability to function as a turnbuckle for tensioning wires.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a toggle lever with a variable force transmission ratio and threaded spindles for adjustable width, allowing for customizable clamping force and quick operation, enabling the device to function as both a gripper and a turnbuckle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a predetermined force introduction drive device is used, then the gripping device can reliably hold heavy objects, but the clamping force cannot be varied and may damage sensitive objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a toggle lever mechanism that dynamically changes the force transmission ratio based on its position. As the toggle lever moves between its extreme positions, the mechanical advantage varies continuously, allowing the clamping force to be dynamically adjusted from low to high levels. This resolves the contradiction by making the force output adaptable rather than fixed, enabling both gentle handling of sensitive objects and strong clamping of heavy objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter of force transmission ratio through the toggle lever's position. By varying the geometric configuration of the toggle lever, the system transforms a constant drive force into a variable clamping force. This parameter change enables the same drive device to produce different clamping forces suitable for different object types, resolving the adaptability issue.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gripping arms are fixed in width, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot accommodate objects of different sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic width adjustment mechanism where the distance between gripping arms can be changed during operation. The guide carriages allow the gripping arms to move relative to each other along the guide links, enabling the width to be adapted to different object sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability increases versatility without requiring complete replacement of gripping arms.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripping device is segmented into modular components including guide carriages, guide links, and gripping arms that can move independently. This segmentation allows the width-adjustment function to be added as a separate mechanism rather than redesigning the entire structure, thus increasing adaptability while controlling complexity through modular design.
3Speed
If force application is immediately converted to clamping movement, then the response is fast, but the device cannot function as a turnbuckle for tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a clamping actuator and a force transmission element for tensioning applications. The same mechanical structure that provides fast clamping movement can also be configured to tension wires or ropes by attaching them to the toggle lever, enabling the device to function as a turnbuckle. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the device versatile without sacrificing its primary clamping speed.
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 provides precise control over clamping force, adaptable to object weight and fragility, and allows for quick opening and closing of gripper arms, enabling reliable gripping and tensioning of wires without damaging sensitive objects.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded spindle (24, 25) is assigned to the guide carriage (21) for width adjustment of the gripping arms (4, 5)
Implementation Method 2
Since a toggle lever (15) is arranged between the guide carriage (21) and the drive device (6), the constant force applied by the drive device can be variably transmitted in a predetermined force transmission ratio to the guide carriage (21)
Implementation Method 3
the gripping arms can be moved up and down like scissors about the point of application of the drive linkage in order to clamp and pick up the load by means of frictional force
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
In the case of an apparatus (1) in particular for gripping and raising articles (2), or for tensioning wires and cables, the respective intermediate means (13) is configured in the form of an L-shaped guide carriage (21) or of sliding elements (41 and 42) which are mounted such that they can be displaced telescopically one inside the other, wherein the first free end (22) of the guide carriage (21), or of the sliding element (41, 42) in each case, is connected for driving purposes to the drive device (6) by means of a toggle (15), and wherein the second free end (23) of the guide carriage (21), or of the sliding element (41, 42) in each case, is in form-fitting operative connection directly, or via intermediate means (24, 25 and 27), with the gripping arm (4 or 5) or the tensioning tube, opposite the point (16) at which the toggle (15) acts on the guide carriage (21) or the tensioning tube, and the guide carriage (21) and the gripping arm (4, 5) or the tensioning tube are retained in a linearly displaceable manner on a guiding-rod system (14).