Air-Releasing Valve Switching for Fast Suction Robot Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction robots require a long time to release air from the suction cup due to the vacuuming apparatus still being in operation, leading to impaired air release speed and energy wastage.
Innovation Solution
An air-releasing valve with an activation unit and a switch that shuts off the vacuuming apparatus when air is released, allowing for quick air release from the suction cup by opening a communication hole with the negative pressure chamber and triggering a control unit to disconnect power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the vacuuming apparatus remains in operation during air release, then the robot maintains strong adsorption force on windows, but the air release speed is impaired and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by triggering the switch to shut off the vacuuming apparatus before or simultaneously with opening the air-releasing hole. This preparatory shutdown of the vacuuming apparatus enables rapid air release without energy waste, as the vacuum source is eliminated before air needs to be released from the suction cup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the vacuuming apparatus operable state changeable through the switch mechanism. The system dynamically transitions from a powered state (maintaining adsorption) to a shut-off state (enabling rapid air release), allowing the robot to adapt its operational mode based on whether it needs to maintain position or release quickly.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the vacuuming apparatus remains in operation during air release, then adsorption force is maintained, but air release time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is triggered to shut off the vacuuming apparatus in advance or simultaneously with opening the air-releasing hole. This preliminary shutdown removes the vacuum constraint before air release begins, significantly reducing the time required for air to equalize and the robot to detach from the window surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the skipping principle by rapidly transitioning the system from vacuum maintenance mode to air release mode through the simultaneous activation of the switch and air-releasing hole. This rushed transition through the state change enables quick detachment without prolonged intermediate states, improving operational efficiency.
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 rapid air release and easy removal of the robot from surfaces while conserving energy by simultaneously shutting off the vacuuming apparatus during air release.
Implementation Method 1
an air-releasing valve spring provided between the switch cap and the air-releasing valve retaining base
Implementation Method 2
The vacuuming apparatus pumps air out of the suction cup to form a negative pressure so that the suction robot is adsorbed on a working surface
Implementation Method 3
the adsorption force on the windows is relatively large. Thus, in order to take off the robots from the windows, it takes a relatively long time to release air from the suction cup
Data Source
AI summary
An air-releasing valve for use in a suction apparatus and a suction robot having the air-releasing valve are provided. The air-releasing valve comprises an activation unit and an air-releasing valve retaining base (3). An air-releasing hole (11) in communication with a negative pressure chamber (18) of the suction apparatus is provided on the air-releasing valve retaining base (3). The activation unit is provided on the air-releasing valve retaining base (3) and is movable relative to the air-releasing valve retaining base (3) to open the air-releasing hole (11). A switch (4) is provided on the air-releasing valve retaining base (3). The activation unit opens the air-releasing hole (11) and triggers the switch (4) to shut off a vacuuming apparatus (14) of the suction apparatus simultaneously. The air-releasing valve is capable of rapidly releasing air from the suction apparatus and shutting off the vacuuming apparatus (14) in a timely manner.