Flexible Vacuum Gripping Tool With Check Valves for Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pincher end-of-arm tools struggle to place objects in locations with insufficient space between the object and the box sides, potentially damaging or deforming the box, and are ineffective for non-planar surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-based gripping tool with a flexible membrane and compliant conduits, each equipped with suction cups and check valves, allowing the tool to conform to non-planar surfaces and maintain vacuum pressure regardless of unengaged suction cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pincher end-of-arm tool is used to grasp objects, then the tool can effectively grip and move objects, but the tool cannot operate in locations with insufficient space between the object and box sides
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping tool is segmented into multiple independent suction cup units (e.g., 2x2 array) that can be individually engaged or disengaged from the object surface. This segmentation allows the tool to adapt to confined spaces by selectively activating only the necessary suction cups, reducing the overall footprint required for operation while maintaining effective gripping capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are made from flexible materials that can conform to non-planar surfaces and adapt to the geometry of the object being gripped. This flexibility enables the tool to operate in confined locations by molding to the object surface rather than requiring rigid alignment, thereby accessing spaces where traditional pincher tools cannot reach.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pincher end-of-arm tool is used to place objects in tight spaces, then the tool can reach the destination, but the tool may damage or deform the cardboard box due to insufficient clearance
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical pinching action is replaced with a vacuum-based suction system. Instead of applying concentrated mechanical force through pinching jaws that could deform the box, the tool uses distributed vacuum pressure through flexible suction cups. This substitution eliminates the harmful concentrated forces while maintaining effective object handling in tight spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible suction cups conform to the object surface and distribute the gripping force over a larger area, preventing localized stress concentrations that could damage the cardboard box. The compliance of the flexible material allows the tool to adapt to slight variations in box geometry without applying excessive force, thereby avoiding deformation while operating in confined spaces.
3Reliability
If traditional vacuum gripping tools are used, then the tool can grip objects, but the tool cannot maintain vacuum pressure when some suction cups are not engaged to the object surface
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into independent channels, with each suction cup having its own dedicated vacuum channel and check valve. This segmentation isolates the vacuum pressure in each channel, so that when one or more suction cups are not engaged, only those specific channels lose vacuum pressure while the engaged channels maintain their vacuum. This prevents total system vacuum loss and maintains gripping stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The check valves are extracted and placed individually in each vacuum channel rather than using a single centralized vacuum system. This extraction allows each channel to independently maintain its vacuum state through its own check valve, preventing vacuum pressure loss from propagating throughout the entire system when some suction cups are disengaged, thereby conserving energy and maintaining reliable gripping.
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 tool effectively grips and moves objects to desired locations, including non-planar surfaces, without damaging surrounding structures, by maintaining vacuum pressure and adapting to surface irregularities.
Implementation Method 1
when the vacuum source applies a vacuum in the vacuum manifold and the suction cup is engaged by the object
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum check valve is biased to a closed condition and is configured to toggle from the closed condition to an open condition
Implementation Method 3
a suction cup coupled to the distal end of the compliant conduit. The vacuum check valve is biased to a closed condition and is configured to toggle from the closed condition to an open condition when the vacuum source applies a vacuum
Implementation Method 4
a compliant conduit having a proximal end coupled to the vacuum manifold and a distal end coupled to the flexible membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping tool includes a vacuum manifold, a flexible membrane, and vacuum channels coupled in parallel between the vacuum manifold and the flexible membrane. Each of the vacuum channels includes a compliant conduit, a vacuum check valve, and suction cup. The vacuum check valve is biased to a closed condition and is configured to toggle from the closed condition to an open condition when a vacuum source applies a vacuum in the vacuum manifold and the suction cup of that vacuum channel is engaged by the object. Each of the check valves independently toggles between the closed condition and the open condition such that, when a vacuum is drawn in the vacuum manifold, the vacuum is maintained in the vacuum manifold and in the compliant conduits of the vacuum channels that have engaged suction cups.