Dual-Vacuum Suction Gripping Device for Flexible Substrates
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional handling systems fail to safely and efficiently manage the unique properties of thin flexible substrates like ultra-thin glass (UTG) during stacking, separation, and transport due to lack of rigidity, warping, triboelectric forces, and horizontal positioning, leading to high breakage risks.
Innovation Solution
A suction gripping device utilizing both gas suction vacuum modules (Venturi ejectors) and gas ejection vacuum modules (Bernoulli floating suction cups) to securely handle thin flexible substrates by generating vacuum through different principles, allowing for precise positioning and handling of substrates with varying curvatures and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional handling systems are used for thin flexible substrates, then the handling process is simple, but the substrates are at high risk of breaking due to lack of rigidity, warping, and triboelectric forces
Solution Approach 1:
The suction gripping device is divided into multiple independent vacuum modules, each capable of gripping substrates of different sizes and shapes. This segmentation allows the system to handle various thin flexible substrates reliably without requiring a completely different device for each case, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate layers (such as paper sheets or protective films) between the suction gripping device and the thin flexible substrates. These intermediaries prevent direct contact that could cause breaking due to triboelectric forces or mechanical stress, thereby improving substrate integrity during handling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vertical stacking is used for conventional glasses, then stacking is straightforward, but it is no longer possible for extremely thin glasses due to lack of inherent rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of stacking thin flexible substrates vertically as with conventional glasses, the patent employs horizontal stacking. This inversion of the stacking orientation accommodates the lack of rigidity in thin substrates by distributing weights evenly and preventing bending stresses, thus enabling stacking capability for UTG while managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional vertical stacking to two-dimensional horizontal stacking arrangement. This dimensional change allows multiple thin flexible substrates to be stacked without relying on their inherent rigidity, as the horizontal configuration distributes mechanical loads across a larger area, enabling versatility in handling UTG.
3Ease of operation
If horizontal positioning is used for thin glasses, then stacking is possible, but triboelectric forces are increased by gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediate protective layers between thin flexible substrates during horizontal stacking. These intermediaries reduce direct contact between substrates, thereby minimizing triboelectric forces generated by friction and gravity. This approach maintains ease of stacking operation while reducing harmful electrostatic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction gripping device utilizes vacuum pressure to hold and manipulate thin flexible substrates during horizontal stacking. By using pneumatic forces, the system overcomes triboelectric forces and gravity more effectively, ensuring stable handling and stacking operation without excessive contact friction that would generate harmful electrostatic charges.
4Reliability
If conventional suction gripping tools are used, then the device structure is simple, but thin glasses are at high risk of breaking during suctioning and gripping
Solution Approach 1:
The suction gripping device is segmented into multiple vacuum modules with independent suction zones. This segmentation allows the force to be distributed across multiple contact points, preventing concentration of stress on any single point of the thin flexible substrate, thereby improving gripping safety while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermediate protective layers between the suction gripping device and the thin flexible substrates. These intermediaries prevent direct mechanical contact that could cause breaking during suctioning, while still allowing vacuum forces to effectively grip the substrates. This approach improves gripping safety without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 device effectively manages flexibility, warp, and air permeability of thin substrates, reducing breakage and ensuring precise stacking and separation, while accommodating both air-impermeable and air-permeable materials with controlled adhesion and positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The gas suction vacuum module includes at least one gas suction opening for withdrawing gas by suction and for generating a vacuum, in particular by way of the Venturi effect
Implementation Method 2
The gas ejection vacuum module includes at least one gas ejection opening for ejecting gas and for generating a vacuum, in particular by way of the Bernoulli effect
Data Source
AI summary
A suction gripping device for picking up a plurality of substrates which are flat and flexible includes: a base body, which defines a plane; at least one gas suction vacuum module which is arranged on the base body and has at least one gas suction opening configured for withdrawing gas by suction and for generating a first vacuum so as to suction a respective one of the plurality of substrates against the suction gripping device; and at least one gas ejection vacuum module which is arranged on the base body and has a gas ejection opening configured for ejecting gas and for generating a second vacuum so as to suction the respective one of the plurality of substrates against the suction gripping device.