Adaptive Multifunctional Chuck Suction Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vacuum chuck devices for handling flat materials like tiles and glass lack adjustable suction force, leading to potential damage from excessive force or unstable adhesion due to insufficient force, and they often pose safety hazards when exposed to water or liquids.

Innovation Solution

An adaptive multifunctional chuck with a base, housing, and single-chip microcomputer that allows for adjustable suction force monitoring and display, featuring a pressure sensor, check valve, and valve system, along with a protective housing and display screen for real-time power and suction force feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fixed suction force is used in vacuum chuck, then device structure is simple, but suction force cannot be adjusted leading to either crushing fragile materials or insufficient adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction force adjustabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum chuck incorporates an adjustable suction force mechanism that allows the suction level to be dynamically changed during operation. The single-chip microcomputer controls a powertrain that can adjust the suction force to different levels, transforming a static system into a dynamic one that adapts to different material requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the suction force parameter from a fixed value to an adjustable range. Through the control system and pressure sensor feedback, the suction force parameter can be modified according to different working conditions and material characteristics, enabling adaptation to various fragile materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If higher suction force is applied to ensure stable adhesion, then adhesion stability is improved, but risk of crushing fragile materials increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion stabilityVSAvoidmaterial crushing damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum chuck is equipped with a pressure sensor that provides real-time feedback on the suction force applied to the material. The single-chip microcomputer processes this feedback information and automatically adjusts the suction force to maintain optimal adhesion without exceeding material tolerance thresholds, preventing crushing while ensuring stable holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of applying maximum suction force continuously, the system applies partial suction force adjusted according to actual needs. The adjustable mechanism allows applying only the necessary suction level for each specific material, avoiding excessive action that would cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If manual pressure operation is used, then device structure is simple, but suction force is insufficient causing material to fall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding reliabilityVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical pressure operation with an electric powertrain-driven vacuum mechanism controlled by a single-chip microcomputer. This substitution provides more consistent and reliable suction force that is not limited by human strength variations, ensuring materials are securely held without falling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of operation

If electrical components are exposed for functionality, then operational control is improved, but safety hazards increase when encountering water or liquids

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionalityVSAvoidwater damage to electrical components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum chuck incorporates a protective housing that encloses the electrical components, creating a barrier against water and liquid infiltration. This protective shell allows the electrical components to remain functional while being protected from environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The protective housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the electrical components and the external environment. It allows the electrical system to function while isolating it from direct contact with water or liquids that could cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables precise adjustment and real-time monitoring of suction force, preventing damage to fragile materials, ensuring stable adhesion, and protecting internal components from water exposure, thus enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the base is provided with three via holes through the body, wherein a pressure sensor, check valve and valve are respectively provided in the three via holes through the sealing structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

the first seating groove is provided with a powertrain... can realize the adjustment, monitoring and display screen of suction force under working condition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum adsorption:

Implementation Method 3

a pressure sensor, check valve and valve are respectively provided in the three via holes through the sealing structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve function: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4385660B1An adaptive multifunctional chuck
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 LIU JIANCHANG
  • EP4385660B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4385660B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4385660B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An adaptive multifunctional chuck, comprises a base, a housing, a bracket; wherein the upper surface of the base is provided in fixed connection to the housing, a bracket and a protective housing, and the protective housing is provided with a switch; the top of the housing is provided with an outlet opened to the atmosphere, and the top plate insides the housing is provided with a display screen, a single-chip microcomputer and a data storage device; the base is further provided with a first seating groove, a second seating groove, and a third seating groove on the upper surface, wherein the first seating groove is provided with a powertrain, the second seating groove is provided with a battery, and the third seating groove is provided with a valve; the base is provided with three via holes through the body, wherein a pressure sensor, a check valve and a valve are respectively provided in the three via holes through the sealing structure; the lower surface of the base is opened with an inner annular groove which is provided with a sealing ring; the single-chip microcomputer is electrically connected to the display screen, the data storage device, the powertrain, the battery, and the pressure sensor, respectively.