Electric Actuator Air Pump for Pneumatic Device Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic devices like suction pads and air chucks require compressed air, necessitating large equipment such as compressors and air pipes, which is impractical in environments where air cannot be used, such as examination rooms.
Innovation Solution
An air pump apparatus using an electric actuator with a built-in piston, driven by an electric motor, generates negative and positive pressure to operate pneumatic devices without the need for compressed air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compressor and compressed air pipe are installed to supply compressed air to pneumatic devices, then the pneumatic devices can operate reliably, but the device complexity and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the air supply system into multiple independent air pump apparatuses, each equipped with its own electric actuator and piston. Instead of one centralized compressor serving multiple devices, each pneumatic device has its own dedicated air pump unit, enabling independent operation and eliminating the need for complex compressed air piping infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric actuator as an intermediary device that converts electrical signals directly into pneumatic pressure. The electric actuator drives the piston to generate negative and positive pressure, serving as a mediator between the electrical control system and the pneumatic device, thereby eliminating the need for traditional compressors and air pipes.
2Ease of operation
If a compressor is installed to provide compressed air, then pneumatic devices can be operated, but the installation space and equipment size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the electric motor, actuator, and air pump into a single integrated air pump apparatus. The electric actuator is directly coupled to the piston, combining the drive mechanism and pumping function in one compact unit, thereby eliminating the need for separate compressors and air distribution infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical compressor system with an electrically-driven piston system. Instead of using a motor-driven compressor to generate compressed air through mechanical compression, the invention uses an electric actuator to directly drive the piston, substituting the complex mechanical compression system with a more compact electric-mechanical integration.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an electric actuator is used to replace the three-axis robot, then energy consumption is reduced, but the pneumatic devices still require compressed air infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the air pump apparatus universally applicable by integrating the air generation function directly into the actuator system. The same electric actuator that replaces the three-axis robot also serves a dual function by driving the piston to generate pneumatic pressure for operating suction pads or air chucks, eliminating the need for separate compressed air infrastructure.
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 the compact operation of pneumatic devices like suction pads and air chucks using electrically generated air pressure, eliminating the need for large compressors and air pipes, and allowing adjustable suction or holding strength.
Implementation Method 1
an electric actuator configured to move the piston linearly and relatively to the air cylinder, using an electric motor as a drive source
Implementation Method 2
air under negative pressure and/or positive pressure generated by the electric actuator causing the piston to move linearly is used to operate a pneumatic device
Data Source
AI summary
An air pump apparatus is provided which uses an electric actuator that can electrically operate a pneumatic device such as a suction pad or air chuck. The air pump apparatus includes an air cylinder having a built-in piston, and an electric actuator configured to move the piston linearly and relatively to the air cylinder, using the electric motor as a drive source. Air under negative pressure and/or positive pressure generated by the electric actuator causing the piston of the air cylinder to move linearly is used to operate a pneumatic device.