Air-Releasing Valve With Switch-Timed Vacuum Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction robots require a long time to release air from the suction cup due to the vacuum apparatus still being in operation, leading to impaired air release speed and energy wastage, as they fail to simultaneously shut off the vacuuming apparatus during air release.
Innovation Solution
An air-releasing valve with an activation unit and a switch that opens an air-releasing hole to release air while simultaneously shutting off the vacuuming apparatus, using a movable activation unit, a switch cap, and a spring mechanism to transmit a signal to the control unit to cut off the vacuuming apparatus's power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the vacuuming apparatus remains in operation during air release, then the suction robot maintains strong adsorption force on the window, but the air release speed is impaired and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is triggered in advance by the activation unit before the air release is fully completed, ensuring the vacuuming apparatus is shut off proactively to prevent energy waste while maintaining adsorption force until the optimal moment
Solution Approach 2:
The switch provides feedback control by detecting the activation unit's movement and automatically shutting off the vacuuming apparatus, creating a closed-loop system that responds to the air release state to optimize energy consumption
2Loss of energy
If the vacuuming apparatus is shut off during air release, then energy is conserved, but the adsorption force is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is positioned and configured to be triggered at the optimal moment during the air release process, ensuring the vacuuming apparatus is shut off proactively to prevent energy waste while maintaining adsorption force until the optimal moment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically from a static on/off control to a dynamic control where the switch responds to the activation unit's movement, allowing the vacuuming apparatus to be shut off at the precise moment when adsorption force is no longer needed
3Device complexity
If the air-releasing valve structure is simplified, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously shut off the vacuuming apparatus is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The switch function is merged with the air-releasing valve structure, combining the air release mechanism and the vacuuming apparatus control into a single integrated component that performs both functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The activation unit serves multiple functions: it opens the air-releasing hole for air release and simultaneously triggers the switch to shut off the vacuuming apparatus, making a single component perform multiple operational tasks
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 quick air release from the suction robot, allowing easy detachment from surfaces while conserving energy by shutting off the vacuuming apparatus during air release, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
An air-releasing valve spring is provided between the switch cap and the air-releasing valve retaining base
Implementation Method 2
A switch spring is provided between the switch and the switch cap
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
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.