Dual-Lip Suction Gripper for Variable Surface Shapes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction grippers require frequent changes to accommodate objects with different surface shapes, leading to inefficiencies and downtime in automated production processes.
Innovation Solution
A suction gripper design featuring two adaptable sealing lips, one for flat surfaces and another for angled surfaces, allowing for reliable suction of objects with varying shapes without the need for frequent changes, utilizing deformable materials like elastomeric materials for effective sealing and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction gripper is designed for a specific type of object, then reliable suction is achieved, but frequent changes are required for different object types
Solution Approach 1:
The suction gripper incorporates multiple sealing lips with different geometries (flat, angled, curved) on a single device, enabling it to handle various object surface shapes without requiring changes. This multi-functional design allows one gripper to perform the work of multiple specialized grippers.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing lips are designed to be deformable, allowing them to adapt dynamically to different object surface shapes during the suction process. This dynamic adaptation enables reliable sealing contact regardless of whether the object surface is flat, angled, or curved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sealing lips are added to handle different surface shapes, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing lips with different geometries are integrated into a single suction gripper body, combining multiple functions into one device. This merging approach achieves versatility while avoiding the complexity of having separate grippers for each surface type.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sealing lip is designed with specific local geometries (flat, angled, curved) optimized for particular surface shapes, while the overall gripper structure remains unified. This local differentiation within a global unity provides versatility without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If sealing lips are made deformable to adapt to surfaces, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but positioning accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple independent sealing lips, each responsible for specific surface shapes. This segmentation allows each lip to deform independently for optimal sealing while maintaining overall positioning control through the structured arrangement of the sealing lips.
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 and efficient suction of objects with diverse surface shapes, reducing downtime and enabling the handling of a broader range of part geometries with improved positioning accuracy and extended service life.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing lip has such deformability that when it comes into contact with an object surface with a specific surface shape, it forms a sealing surface that lies against the object and is so tight
Implementation Method 2
evacuating the suction body the purpose of manipulation or fixation sufficient vacuum can be built up in the negative pressure spaces
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The suction pad (1) has an absorbent portion (2) that is provided with annular inner sealing lip (3) and annular outer sealing lip (4). The limited inner vacuum space (11) and limited outer vacuum space (10) are connected to a vacuum source (13). An object surface mold is adjusted with the outer sealing lip of the absorbent portion. Another object surface mold (18) is angled at a straight edge (19) by the inner sealing lip.