Vacuum Hose Lifter Coupling for Alignment-Free End Effectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coupling mechanisms for end effectors in vacuum handling devices require precise rotational alignment, are complex, and involve high construction complexity, making them difficult to handle and couple efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tube lifter design with a coupling device featuring a first and second coupling section where the insertion section can be inserted into the receiving section in a linear direction and any rotational position, facilitated by a guide slot and projection system, allowing for intuitive and robust attachment without additional alignment steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional coupling mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but coupling complexity and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into two separate coupling sections: a first coupling section on the lifting hose and a second coupling section on the end effector. Each section has complementary coupling elements (insertion section and receiving section) that simplify the coupling process while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling sections feature asymmetric geometry where the insertion section has a specific shape that complements the receiving section. This asymmetric design ensures proper orientation during coupling while eliminating the need for precise rotational alignment, as the asymmetric shapes guide the coupling process naturally.
2Reliability
If precise rotational alignment is required, then secure coupling is achieved, but operational ease and coupling speed decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric coupling elements are designed so that the insertion section fits into the receiving section in a rotationally symmetric manner. This allows the end effector to be coupled to the lifting hose in any rotational position without requiring precise alignment, significantly improving operational ease while maintaining coupling security through the asymmetric interlocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the operator to align the coupling elements precisely before coupling, the design inverts the approach by allowing coupling in any rotational position. The asymmetric geometry ensures proper engagement regardless of initial orientation, eliminating the alignment step entirely.
3Reliability
If complex coupling mechanisms are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but construction complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the coupling device into two separate coupling sections with standardized interfaces, the design simplifies manufacturing. Each section can be produced independently using the same basic coupling elements, reducing tooling requirements and manufacturing complexity while ensuring consistent, secure attachment through the standardized asymmetric geometry.
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 simple, intuitive, and robust coupling of end effectors to lifting hoses, reducing complexity and ensuring secure attachment while allowing for rotational adjustment post-coupling, thus enhancing operational ease and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
The lifting hose can be shortened, in particular, by applying negative pressure to the hose interior
Implementation Method 2
The end effector can, for example, be a mechanical gripping device, but in particular a suction gripping device
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a hose lifter comprising a lifting hose extending along a longitudinal axis of the lifting hose, an end effector (18), and a coupling device (20) by means of which the end effector can be coupled to the lifting hose, wherein the coupling device has a first coupling section (32) on the lifting hose side and a second coupling section (34) on the end effector side, wherein one of the coupling sections has an insertion section (36) and the other coupling section has a receiving section (38) for receiving the insertion section, wherein the insertion section and the receiving section are designed such that the insertion section can be inserted into the receiving section in an insertion direction (40) and thereby the end effector and the lifting hose can be connected to each other.wherein the insertion section can be inserted into the receiving section in different rotational positions about an end-effector rotational axis (42) orthogonal to the insertion direction.