Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See Section 10 and Rule 13)

Title of Invention:
A GRIPPING DEVICE
APPLICANT:
BHARAT FORGE LIMITED
An Indian entity having address as:
Mundhwa, Pune - 411036,
Maharashtra, India.

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND PRIORITY
[0001] The present application claims no priority from any of the patent application(s).
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to a field of object handling and manipulation. More specifically, the present specification relates to a gripping device for the object handling and manipulation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art, which may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure that are described or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements in this background section are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.
[0004] Gripping devices are configured to securely hold, grasp, or manipulate objects. These devices play a pivotal role across industries and applications where reliable handling of objects are required, such as automotive, aerospace, defence, robotics and manufacturing industry. Conventional, gripping devices are connected to one or more hydraulic actuator. The hydraulic actuator generates high force for gripping and manipulating heavy objects. An integration of hydraulic actuators in gripping devices has revolutionized industries that require reliable handling of objects. However, the hydraulic actuators typically encounter oil leakage and require frequent maintenance. Also, the hydraulic actuators are bulky and sensitive to extreme temperature which can hinder the performance of the hydraulic actuator.
[0005] In light of the above stated discussion, there exists a need of an improved gripping device to overcome the above stated disadvantages.
SUMMARY
[0006] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a gripping device. The gripping device includes a structure. The structure facilitates mounting of various components of the gripping device. In addition, the gripping device includes one or more triggering device, one or more connectors, one or more manipulators, and a chamber. The one or more triggering device is mounted in proximity to the structure. Further, the one or more connectors is connected to the one or more triggering device. Furthermore, the one or more manipulators is connected to the one or more connectors. Also, the chamber is configured to hold one or more article.
[0007] In an embodiment, the one or more triggering device may translate an actuation to linear motion and enables movement of the one or more connectors.
[0008] In another embodiment, the gripping device may be configured to facilitate actuation. Further, the actuation enables manual actuation of the one or more triggering device.
[0009] In yet another embodiment, the gripping device may include manually lock-unlock arrangement for the one or more manipulators.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, the gripping device may include one or more plunger. Further, the one or more plunger may enable the manual actuation of the one or more manipulators.
[0011] In yet another embodiment, the gripping device may include a sensing element. Further, the sensing element may include one or more sensor to detect the presence of the one or more article within the chamber.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the one or more manipulators may be connected with the one or more connectors via one or more bush.
[0013] In yet another embodiment, the gripping device may further include one or more element, one or more threaded connectors. Furthermore, the one or more threaded connectors may be configured to securely fasten the one or more element to the structure. Moreover, the one or more threaded connectors may include one or more nut, one or more bolt and combination thereof.
[0014] In yet another embodiment, the one or more element may be slidable to increase and decrease the space of the chamber.
[0015] In yet another embodiment, the one or more connectors may be equipped with smart sensing technology, enabling the detection of object properties that may include weight, shape, material, and adjusting the manipulation strategy accordingly.
[0016] In yet another embodiment, the one or more manipulator may be provided with at least 90º vertical angle of rotation.
[0017] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0018] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a gripping device (100), in accordance with various embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0020] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Reference throughout the specification to “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “one embodiment,” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment” in places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
[0022] The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term “an article” may include a plurality of articles unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary methods are described. The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms.
[0023] Various modifications to the embodiment may be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art may readily recognize that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. The detailed description of the invention will be described hereinafter referring to accompanied drawings.
[0024] In the various embodiments disclosed herein, ‘a gripping device’ may be interchangeably read and/or interpreted as ‘a gripper mounted system’ or ‘a gripper’ or a ‘shell gripper’ or ‘gripper for vehicle’ or ‘gripper mounted in vehicle’ and the like.
[0025] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which can be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather to provide an understandable description of the invention.
[0026] Those with ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated, relative to other elements, in order to improve the understanding of the present invention. There may be additional components described in the foregoing application that are not depicted on one of the described drawings. In the event such a component is described, but not depicted in a drawing, the absence of such a drawing should not be considered as an omission of such design from the specification.
[0027] In the accompanying drawings components have been represented, showing only specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0028] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, referring to figure 1, a gripping device (100) is described herein.
[0029] In general, gripper refers to a device designed to manipulate objects with precision and efficiency. The grippers are integral to the field of automation and robotics, enabling machines to interact with objects in ways that mimic human manipulation. Their design, actuation, and adaptability depend on the specific tasks they are intended to perform, and ongoing technological advancements continue to shape the capabilities of gripper systems.
[0030] In a non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, the gripping device (100) includes one or more triggering device (102), a structure (104), one or more connectors (122), one or more manipulators (108) and a chamber (110). In addition, the one or more triggering device (102) is mounted in a proximity of the structure (104.) Also, the one or more connectors (122) is connected to the one or more triggering device (102). Further, the one or more manipulators (108) is connected with the one or more connectors (122). Additionally, the chamber (110) is configured to hold one or more article.
[0031] In an embodiment, the gripping device (100) may be equipped with the one or more triggering device (102). The one or more triggering device (102) may be designed to initiate specific actions or responses within the gripping device (102).
[0032] In one embodiment, the one or more triggering device (102) may be mounted on the structure (104). Further, the structure (104) may provide a stability and a mechanical support to the attached one or more gripping device (102).
[0033] In general, actuator is a device that converts an input signal into physical motion or action. It takes a control signal, often in the form of an electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal signal, and transforms it into a mechanical output that performs a specific task. The actuators are used in a wide range of applications across various industries to control and manipulate mechanisms, enabling machines and systems to perform desired actions.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more triggering device (102) may be an electric actuator, a hydraulic actuator, an actuator, and combination thereof.
[0035] In an embodiment, the one or more connectors (122) may be connected with the one or more triggering device (102). In addition, actuation of the one or more triggering device (102) enables a movement of the one or more connectors (122). Further, the one or more connectors (122) and the one or more triggering device (102) may be mounted on the structure (104). Furthermore, the structure (104) may be mounted on the chamber (110). Moreover, the one or more connectors (122) may establish a connection between various components, such as the chamber (110), the one or more gripping device (102), and one or more plungers (120).
[0036] In one embodiment, the gripping device (100) is further equipped with the one or more manipulators (108). The one or more manipulators (108) may be responsible for executing actions, such as gripping, moving, or manipulating objects. In a non-limiting example, the movement of the manipulators may enable positive locking of the one or more manipulators (108). Furthermore, the chamber (110) may be configured to hold the one or more article. Moreover, the one or more manipulators (108) may be connected to the one or more connectors (122) and may be controlled via the one or more triggering device (102).
[0037] Alternatively, the chamber (110) may be configured to accommodate one or more object, article, or items that may be gripped or handled.
[0038] In an embodiment, one or more element (112) may be positioned at one side edge of the gripping device (100). In an example, the one or more element (112) may be slidable to increase and decrease the space of the chamber (110). In another example, the one or more element (112) may enable extension or contraction of the chamber (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more element (112) may be a stopper, an adjustable stopper.
[0039] In one embodiment, the gripping device (100) may include an actuation. Further, the actuation may facilitate manual actuation of the one or more triggering device (102). Furthermore, the gripping device (100) may include a manual lock-unlock arrangement. Moreover, the manual lock-unlock arrangement may be the one or more plungers (120). Also, the one or more plungers (120) may enable the manual actuation of the one or more manipulators (108) in case of power failure or the electric actuator malfunction.
[0040] In yet another embodiment, the gripping device (100) may include a sensing element (118). The sensing element (118) may be mounted on the one or more manipulators (108). The sensing element (118) may include one or more sensor to detect the presence of the one or more article within the chamber (110). Further, the one or more connectors (122) are connected to the one or more manipulators (108) via one or more bush (106). Furthermore, the sensing element (118) may be mounted on the one or more element (112).
[0041] In yet another embodiment, the one or more element (112) may include one or more threaded connectors (114, 116). Further, the one or more threaded connectors (114, 116) may be configured to securely fasten the one or more element (112) to the structure (104). Furthermore, the one or more threaded connectors (114, 116) may include one or more nut, one or more bolt and combination thereof.
[0042] In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, the method for operation of the gripping device (100), as described herein, includes steps of actuation of the one or more triggering device (102). The actuation of the one or more triggering device (102) enables movement of the one or more connectors (122). In an example, the one or more triggering device (102) is manually actuated with the help of integrated lever. In another example, the one or more triggering device (102) is electrically actuated.
[0043] Further, the movement of the one or more connectors (122) via the one or more bush (106) provides the positive locking movement of the one or more manipulators (108) to grab or pick the one or more article. In another aspect, the movement of the one or more connectors (122) via the one or more bush (106) provides the unlocking movement of the one or more manipulators (108) to release or drop the one or more article. In an example, locking and unlocking movement of the one or more manipulators (108) is actuated manually with the help of one or more plungers (120). In another example, locking and unlocking movement of the one or more manipulators (108) is actuated by the motion of the one or more connectors (122). Furthermore, the sensing element (118) enables the positive locking movement of the one or more manipulators (108) when the presence of the one or more article is detected within the chamber (110).
[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more element (112) may be mounted on the structure (104). Further, the one or more element (112) and one more triggering device (102) may be connected via the one or more manipulators (108). In an exemplary embodiment, the gripping device (100) may be mounted on heavy machines, industrial machines, military vehicles, firearms and artilleries and the like.
[0045] In yet another embodiment, the one or more manipulator (108) may be provided with at least 90º vertical angle of rotation. Further, the angle of rotation of one or more manipulator (108) may vary with respect to the pick and drop positions of the article.
[0046] In yet another embodiment, the diameter of the gripping chamber (110) may vary between 100 mm to 200 mm diameter. In one another aspect, the diameter of the gripping chamber (110) may be 155 mm. The gripping chamber (110) may be a detachable component. Further, various sizes of chambers (110) may be mounted to the system.
[0047] In yet another embodiment, the heavy machines may be construction machines, earthmoving equipment, demolition equipment’s, mining equipment’s, heavy equipment’s, material handling machineries, manufacturing industries, electronic industry, in vehicles, and the like.
[0048] In another exemplary embodiment, the gripper may be a mechanical gripper, electric gripper, vacuum gripper, magnetic gripper, soft gripper, robotic hand gripper, and the like.
[0049] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the defence and artilleries may include handguns, rifles, shotguns, heavy artillery systems, howitzers, rocket launchers and the like.
[0050] In another exemplary embodiment, the industrial machineries may be metal testing machineries, plastic injection moulding machines, heavy assembly lines, material handling systems, packaging machineries, printing machineries, textile machineries, woodworking machineries, crane trucks, excavators, demolition machines, waste and recycling vehicles, forestry equipment, and the like.
[0051] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the military vehicles may be armoured vehicle, ground-based artillery vehicles, self-propelled howitzers, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS), artillery gun trucks, mobile artillery command posts, armoured howitzer carriers and the like.
[0052] The presently disclosed the gripping device (100) may have the following advantageous functionalities such as an ability to thoroughly organize and execute controlled responses to impact events, ensure smoother operational dynamics, minimize mechanical stress, improve stability, and minimize maintenance requirements. Moreover, it offers a reduction in cost and weight, increased customization options, reduced complexity, and an overall enhanced user experience.
[0053] The invention is further defined by at least the examples provided in the following items:
Item 1 A gripping device (100), comprising:
a structure (104), wherein the structure (104) facilitates mounting of various components of the gripping device (100);
one or more triggering device (102), wherein the one or more triggering device (102) is mounted in proximity to the structure (104);
one or more connectors (122), wherein the one or more connectors (122) are connected to the one or more triggering device (102);
one or more manipulators (108), wherein the one or more manipulators (108) is connected with the one or more connectors (122); and
a chamber (110) is configured to hold one or more article.
Item 2 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the one or more triggering device (102) translates an actuation to linear motion and enables movement of the one or more connectors (122).
Item 3 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the gripping device (100) is configured to facilitate actuation, wherein the actuation enables manual actuation of the one or more triggering device (102).
Item 4 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the gripping device (100) comprises manually lock-unlock arrangement for the one or more manipulators (108).
Item 5 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the gripping device (100) comprises one or more plungers (120), wherein the one or more plungers (120) enables manual actuation of the one or more manipulators (108).
Item 6 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the gripping device (100) comprises a sensing element (118), wherein the sensing element (118) comprises one or more sensor to detect the presence of the one or more article within the chamber (110).
Item 7 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the one or more manipulators (108) is connected with the one or more connectors (122) via one or more bush (106).
Item 8 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the gripping device (100) further comprises one or more element (112) and one or more threaded connectors (114, 116), wherein the one or more threaded connectors (114, 116) are configured to securely fasten the one more element (112) to the structure (104), wherein the one or more threaded connectors (114, 116) comprises one or more nut, one or more bolt and combination thereof.
Item 9 The gripping device (100) of item 1 and 8, wherein the one or more element (112) is slidable to increase and decrease the space of the chamber (110).
Item 10 The gripping device (100) of item 1, wherein the one or more manipulator (108) is provided with at least 90º vertical angle of rotation.
[0054] The foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in any limiting sense. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand that certain modifications could come within the scope of this disclosure.
[0055] The embodiments, examples, and alternatives of the preceding paragraphs or the description, including any of their various aspects or respective individual feature(s), may be taken independently or in any combination. Features described in connection with one embodiment are applicable to all embodiments unless such features are incompatible.
, Claims:I/WE CLAIM:
1. A gripping device (100), comprising:
a structure (104), wherein the structure (104) facilitates mounting of various components of the gripping device (100);
one or more triggering device (102), wherein the one or more triggering device (102) is mounted in proximity to the structure (104);
one or more connectors (122), wherein the one or more connectors (122) are connected to the one or more triggering device (102);
one or more manipulators (108), wherein the one or more manipulators (108) is connected with the one or more connectors (122); and
a chamber (110) is configured to hold one or more article.
2. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more triggering device (102) translates an actuation to linear motion and enables movement of the one or more connectors (122).
3. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping device (100) is configured to facilitate actuation, wherein the actuation enables manual actuation of the one or more triggering device (102).
4. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping device (100) comprises manually lock-unlock arrangement for the one or more manipulators (108).
5. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping device (100) comprises one or more plungers (120), wherein the one or more plungers (120) enables manual actuation of the one or more manipulators (108).
6. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping device (100) comprises a sensing element (118), wherein the sensing element (118) comprises one or more sensor to detect the presence of the one or more article within the chamber (110).
7. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more manipulators (108) is connected with the one or more connectors (122) via one or more bush (106).
8. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping device (100) further comprises one or more element (112) and one or more threaded connectors (114, 116), wherein the one or more threaded connectors (114, 116) are configured to securely fasten the one more element (112) to the structure (104), wherein the one or more threaded connectors (114, 116) comprises one or more nut, one or more bolt and combination thereof.
9. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1 and 8, wherein the one or more element (112) is slidable to increase and decrease the space of the chamber (110).
10. The gripping device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more manipulator (108) is provided with at least 90º vertical angle of rotation.
Dated this 13th day of February 2024

Priyank Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
IN/PA-1454