Autonomous Suction Cup Vacuum Generation Without External Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cup units for processing slabs are cumbersome and expensive due to the need for external vacuum sources, such as suction pumps, which increase size and weight, and are not easily remotely controlled.
Innovation Solution
A suction cup unit with an ejector-effect device that generates vacuum using pressurized air, including a nozzle, a pressurized air reservoir, and electrically-operated valves, allowing for autonomous vacuum creation without an external pump, along with an electronic control unit for remote operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction pump is integrated into the suction cup unit to generate vacuum autonomously, then the suction cup unit can operate independently without external vacuum sources, but the size, weight, and cost of the suction cup unit increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vacuum generation function from a traditional suction pump and implements it through a much lighter ejector device. The ejector uses pressurized air flow to create vacuum without requiring a heavy mechanical pump, thus achieving autonomous operation while dramatically reducing weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical suction pump system with a pneumatic ejector system. Instead of using a mechanical pump to create vacuum, the system uses a stream of pressurized air passing through a nozzle to generate the vacuum effect, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components.
2Reliability
If a suction pump is integrated into the suction cup unit to generate vacuum autonomously, then the suction cup unit can operate independently without external vacuum sources, but the complexity and cost of the suction cup unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical system of a suction pump with a much simpler pneumatic ejector. The ejector consists of basic components like a nozzle and air reservoir, eliminating complex mechanical moving parts, seals, and drive mechanisms while achieving the same vacuum generation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles to achieve vacuum generation through an ejector device. By utilizing pressurized air flow through a properly designed nozzle, the system creates vacuum without mechanical pumps, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining autonomous operation capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible tubes are used to connect suction cup units to an external vacuum source, then the suction cup units can be positioned freely on the work surface, but the flexible tubes create encumbrance and reduce ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the vacuum generation capability from the external vacuum source and integrates it directly into each suction cup unit. This eliminates the need for connecting flexible tubes to an external vacuum source, allowing each unit to operate independently and be positioned freely without encumbrance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the vacuum generation function into individual suction cup units, with each unit having its own ejector device and air reservoir. This segmentation allows each unit to be independently positioned and operated without being constrained by connections to a centralized vacuum source.
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
The solution provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and easily controllable suction cup unit that can operate independently, reducing encumbrance and complexity, suitable for various applications including machining centers and robot manipulators.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector-effect device, comprising a nozzle configured to generate a vacuum at a nozzle auxiliary outlet when a flow of pressurized air is fed through said nozzle
Data Source
AI summary
A suction cup unit for gripping workpieces comprises a suction cup member carried by a support body within which a device is arranged for autonomously generating a vacuum to be applied to the suction cup member. The vacuum generator device includes an ejector-effect device, configured to generate a vacuum by supplying a flow of pressurized air through a nozzle, a reservoir of pressurized air connected to the nozzle, at least one electrically-operated valve for controlling the connection between the pressurized air reservoir and the nozzle, and a connecting line between the nozzle and the suction cup member, for transmitting a vacuum to the suction cup member when pressurized air is made to flow through the nozzle.