Bellows Vacuum Pad Structure for Stable Inclined Workpiece Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pads that allow for suctioning inclined workpieces often result in unstable positioning and swinging during transport, especially at high speeds, due to the swingable nature of the pad or bellows configuration, leading to potential falls.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pad design featuring a support member with a bellows and a restriction member that comes into the vacuum passage upon contraction, stabilizing the workpiece by preventing inclination and ensuring close contact, even with inclined surfaces, using a configuration that includes a sleeve portion and flange portion for secure attachment and tapered surfaces for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pad portion is made swingable or the pad is configured as a bellows to suction inclined workpieces, then the workpiece can be suctioned even when inclined, but the workpiece swings during transport and positioning deviation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A restriction member is introduced as an intermediary element between the bellows and the workpiece. This restriction member includes a cylindrical portion that fits into the vacuum passage and a flange portion that contacts the workpiece, serving as a mediator that provides both flexibility for inclined suction and stability for positioning during transport
Solution Approach 2:
The restriction member is divided into functionally distinct segments: a cylindrical portion for fitting into the vacuum passage and providing guidance, and a flange portion for contacting the workpiece and preventing swing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally
2Adaptability or versatility
If the bellows is made flexible to contact inclined workpiece surfaces, then close contact is achieved, but the bellows may crash to become flat and lose functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is installed beforehand to prevent the bellows from over-compressing or crashing flat. By providing a mechanical stop through the restriction member's cylindrical portion fitting into the vacuum passage, the bellows is cushioned against excessive deformation that would compromise its structural integrity
3Stability of the object's composition
If the restriction member is attached close to the support member to prevent inclination, then workpiece holding stability is improved, but the bellows loses degree of freedom in bending deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The restriction member is positioned at the distal end of the bellows rather than near the support member, utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the bellows. This positioning allows the bellows to bend and deform freely along its length while the restriction member at the end provides the necessary stability for workpiece holding
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 design ensures stable holding and prevents swinging of the workpiece during transport, maintaining close contact with the workpiece even when inclined, and prevents deformation or suction marks, while also addressing electrification issues through the use of conductive materials.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pad for suctioning a workpiece by utilizing a vacuum pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum pad suctions a workpiece by utilizing a vacuum pressure, and includes a support member having a vacuum passage inside, a bellows secured to the support member, and a restriction member attached to an inner side of the bellows. When the bellows is contracted, the restriction member comes into the vacuum passage.