Flexible Suction Tool Geometry for Controlled Vacuum Grabbing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting systems face challenges in efficiently handling heterogeneous materials on conveyors due to size and nature variations, with air-sucking systems prone to accidental suction and requiring frequent maintenance to empty decanters, disrupting industrial workflows.
Innovation Solution
A suction tool with a flexible body featuring alternating rims and waists, designed to self-retract upon object contact, combined with a vacuum system that allows for both grabbing large items and vacuum cleaning small items, and a compressed air purge mechanism to maintain continuous operation without stopping the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small openings are used at the surface of contact to avoid accidental suction, then objects are properly handled on the conveyor, but the suction capability for small items is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tool employs a flexible body that dynamically changes its configuration based on operational needs. The alternating rims and waists allow the tool to adapt its shape, expanding suction capability when needed while maintaining control to prevent accidental suction of larger objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the suction tool by using a flexible body with varying diameters (alternating rims and waists). This allows the effective suction opening size to be adjusted, enabling both small openings for precision handling and larger effective area for enhanced suction capability depending on the operational context.
2Productivity
If the suction tool grabs objects firmly, then handling efficiency is improved, but the tool may accidentally suction objects inside the tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tool features non-uniform local qualities with alternating rims and waists of different diameters. This localized variation in geometry allows different sections to perform different functions: larger rims provide firm grabbing capability while smaller waists act as control points to prevent accidental suction of objects that might otherwise be drawn into the tubing.
3Productivity
If the system operates continuously without stopping, then productivity is improved, but maintenance of decanters requires system shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the decanter maintenance function to be performed while the system remains operational. The purging mechanism allows decanters to be emptied and maintained without requiring system shutdown, as the flexible suction tool can accommodate the purging operation and maintain vacuum functionality throughout the maintenance process.
4Ease of operation
If the flexible body has alternating rims and waists with decreasing diameter, then self-retractation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible body is segmented into alternating rims and waists, creating distinct functional zones along its length. This segmentation enables the self-retractation mechanism to work effectively, as each segment can deform independently. The decreasing diameter pattern from proximal to distal end creates a tapered structure that facilitates controlled retraction while remaining manufacturable through standard molding techniques.
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
Enhances handling efficiency by minimizing accidental suction and reducing maintenance downtime, enabling seamless purging of decanters and continuous operation, thus improving system durability and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum tube, the suction tool comprising: a body of flexible material to be installed at a distal end of the vacuum tube
Implementation Method 2
a compressed air purge mechanism to maintain continuous operation without stopping the system
Data Source
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AI summary
A suction tool (1222) for a system for sorting materials with a vacuum tube, the suction tool comprising a body (1223) of flexible material wall to be installed at a distal end of the vacuum tube (290) and forming a hollow tubular wall. It is shaped with alternating rims (1224) and waists (1225), of which an average diameter narrows from a proximal end of the suction tool to a distal end thereof. Each rim has said local rim diameter larger the local rim diameter of a next one of the rims; each waist has said local waist diameter larger the local waist diameter of a next one of the waists, in the distal direction. The body ends at the distal end with a horn (1228) having a bell flare shape, the edge forming a lip (1229) to enter in contact with items to be handled by the system for sorting materials.