Mechanical Gripper Design
250–350 mm
Adjustable Grab Range
2-SURFACE
Friction Gripping
600 kg
Maximum Load
LOCKING SYSTEM
Controlled Grab Position
37Cr4
Pins
Applications
CONCRETE BLOCKS
Heavy Material Handling
HEAVY STONES
Two-Surface Lifting
WOODEN BOXES
Material Transport
METAL BOXES
Industrial Handling
RAILWAY TRACKS
Heavy Components
CAR TYRES
Compatible Geometry
Safety
A lifting system is only safe when the load remains controlled even at its most critical condition
Tools & Applications
SolidWorks · MATLAB · Microsoft Excel · Microsoft Word · Microsoft PowerPoint · DIN 15401 · DIN EN 10025-2
STRUCTURAL FRAME
Load-Carrying Members
LOAD TRANSFER
Structured Force Path
RUBBER CONTACT
Enhanced Friction Interface
S355JR
Frame · Slot · Hook
Why the Gripper Was Designed
HEAVY LOAD HANDLING
Designed for loads up to 600 kg.
ADJUSTABLE GRIPPING
One mechanism can work across a 250–350 mm grab range.
FRICTION-BASED HOLDING
The system grips without requiring permanent modification of the lifted object.
STABLE LOCKING
A sliding slot mechanism limits unwanted opening and maintains the required gripping width.
STRUCTURAL RELIABILITY
Member forces, bending and stress were analysed before material selection.
APPLICATION FLEXIBILITY
The concept can be applied to blocks, boxes, stones and other compatible two-surface objects.
Project Outcome
From calculated gripping force to a mechanically validated lifting system.
System Design & Development
1.5
Design Safety Factor
The gripper was developed as a complete mechanical lifting system rather than as isolated members. Gripping force, frame reactions, member loads, locking geometry, materials and contact surfaces were considered together around the complete lifting load path.
BUTYL RUBBER
Gripping Surface
DIN 15401
Crane Hook Reference
Operating Limitations
ROOM TEMPERATURE - Design Condition
NO HOT OBJECTS - Butyl Rubber Limitation
SURFACE DEPENDENT - Friction Required
IRREGULAR SHAPES - Reduced Suitability
FRAGILE OBJECTS - Special Caution
PRE-APPROVAL TEST - Required Before Application
Lifting a heavy object safely is not only about carrying its weight - the gripping force must remain stable throughout the complete load path.
The challenge was to develop a two-contact friction gripper capable of lifting loads up to 600 kg, while remaining adjustable between 250 and 350 mm, maintaining structural strength and preventing unintended opening during lifting.
FRICTION GRIP
Controlled Surface Contact
How It Works?
CRANE LIFT INPUT
Lifting force enters through the upper hook
↓
FRAME LOAD TRANSFER
Forces travel through the connected members
↓
GRIPPER CLOSURE
Contact surfaces press against the object
↓
FRICTION FORCE
Grip force prevents vertical slipping
↓
LOCKING SLOT
Grab width remains controlled
↓
LOAD LIFTING
Object is lifted through two friction surfaces
