Bistable Vacuum Valve Switching Without Compressed Air
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum handling apparatuses face challenges with energy-intensive compressed air control, lack of individual sensor monitoring for suction grip devices, and difficulty in identifying faulty devices, especially in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, electrically controllable valve apparatus with a bistable actuator using an electromagnetic coil and swing check valve for efficient vacuum control, integrated with sensors for individual monitoring and communication interfaces for centralized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air is used to actuate the valve apparatus, then reliable vacuum control is achieved, but energy consumption increases and a compressed air supply network is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic actuation system (compressed air) with an electromagnetic actuation system. The valve body is now actuated by an electromagnetic coil that generates magnetic fields to move the valve body between positions, eliminating the need for compressed air supply infrastructure while reducing energy consumption and simplifying the system.
2Reliability
If individual sensor monitoring is implemented for each suction grip device, then fault identification is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates a sensor device within the valve apparatus itself, making the valve serve dual functions: vacuum control and monitoring. The sensor detects vacuum levels or fault conditions at the suction grip device, and this information is transmitted via a communication interface to a central control unit, enabling individual monitoring without adding separate complex monitoring systems.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact valve apparatus design is implemented, then installation space is reduced, but switching speed may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a swing check valve mechanism that segments the vacuum flow path. The check valve can rapidly swing between open and closed positions, enabling fast switching. The compact design is achieved by integrating this quick-acting valve mechanism into a space-efficient valve body structure with optimized flow channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic actuation system provides rapid, periodic actuation of the valve body, enabling fast switching between vacuum and atmospheric positions. The electromagnetic coil can be energized and de-energized quickly to achieve rapid valve positioning without requiring large mechanical components.
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 reliable, fast, and energy-efficient vacuum control without compressed air, allows individual device monitoring, and ensures secure operation even in power failures, reducing switching times and maintaining grip integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator (50) comprises an electromagnetic coil (54) for driving a displacement movement of the armature (52), and thus of the valve body (40), along the switching axis (38)
Implementation Method 2
The swing check valve (74) is designed and arranged such that it can be transferred into the open position by applying vacuum to the vacuum connection (12)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a valve apparatus (10) for vacuum applications, comprising a valve housing (20) which delimits a valve chamber (22), the valve chamber comprising a vacuum supply opening (28), a suction opening (32), and a ventilation opening (36); comprising a valve body (40) which is arranged in the valve chamber and can be displaced along a switching axis (38) between a suction position and a ventilation position, wherein the valve body in the suction position closes the ventilation opening and in the ventilation position closes the vacuum supply opening; comprising a bistable actuator (50) for driving a displacement movement of the valve body, the actuator comprising an armature (52), connected to the valve body, and an electromagnetic coil (54) for driving a displacement movement of the armature; and comprising a swing check valve (74) for opening and closing the vacuum supply opening (28). The invention also relates to a vacuum handling apparatus (100) comprising a valve apparatus (10).