Adaptor Block Alignment Mechanism for Vacuum Handlers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum material handlers face challenges in safely and efficiently lifting heavy, smooth objects due to the need for precise alignment and the handling of heavy equipment, which can be hazardous and requires level positioning.
Innovation Solution
The adapter block system with a lower pin receiver, body, and upper pin, featuring adjustable spacers and a 'cap and block' style clamping mechanism, allows for easy installation and alignment of the vacuum material handler with host equipment, enabling safe and efficient lifting by allowing the host equipment to handle dangerous and heavy tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional vacuum material handlers are used for lifting heavy objects, then lifting capability is achieved, but safety risks increase due to the need for precise alignment and handling of heavy equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor block serves as an intermediary component between the vacuum material handler and host equipment. It includes a lower pin receiver that interfaces with the rotator and an upper pin with spacers that interfaces with the host equipment boom. This intermediary structure absorbs alignment tolerances and allows the vacuum material handler to be safely connected without requiring precise level positioning between the host equipment and the vacuum beam.
2Ease of manufacture
If heavy equipment is manually positioned and aligned for connection, then proper mounting is achieved, but operational hazards increase due to heavy lifting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor block is pre-assembled with the lower pin receiver attached to the rotator before operation. The upper pin with spacers and clamp portions is prepared in advance. This preliminary preparation allows the connection to be made safely without requiring manual positioning of heavy components during operation. The host equipment boom can simply lower the upper pin into the lower clamp portions without requiring precise manual alignment.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed alignment structures are used for mounting vacuum material handlers, then structural stability is achieved, but adaptability to different equipment configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor block incorporates adjustable spacers on the upper pin that can be positioned at different locations along the pin length. The clamp portions can also be adjusted to accommodate different boom widths and configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same adaptor block structure to be used with different host equipment configurations while maintaining structural stability during operation.
4Strength
If permanent fixed components are used in the adaptor block, then structural strength is achieved, but ease of maintenance and serviceability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor block is divided into separable components: the lower pin receiver attached to the rotator, the upper pin with spacers, and the clamp portions. These segmented components can be independently removed and replaced for maintenance or repair without requiring replacement of the entire adaptor block assembly. The segmented design maintains structural strength through proper interfacing while enabling easy serviceability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum material handler (10) has a vacuum beam (12) supported by an adaptor block (60) attached to a rotator (50). A vacuum pad (40) is carried beneath the vacuum beam (12). The vacuum beam (14) has a motor (20) that powers a pump (30). The adaptor block (60) has a body (64) and arms (70/71) having receivers thereon for receiving an upper pin assembly that may be carried by host equipment. The host equipment locates foe upper pin assembly within foe receivers where the upper pin (66) may be clamped into place, thereby conducting all heavy lifting with foe host equipment.