Foam Suction Gripping Head Structure for Lower Mass Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction gripping systems are heavy due to the integration of suction devices, which limits their practicality and versatility in handling various products.
Innovation Solution
A suction gripping head with a chassis made of foam, incorporating a suction path within the foam body and stiffening elements to reduce mass and enhance safety, while maintaining functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction device is integrated directly into the gripping head, then the gripping function is achieved, but the mass of the gripping head increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the suction device from the gripping head and places it in a separate suction unit, eliminating the need for large-volume tubing while reducing the mass of the gripping head. The suction device is taken out of the head and mounted on a separate unit that can be positioned close to the head.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a separate suction unit as an intermediary component that connects to the gripping head. This intermediary contains the suction device and provides a compact connection interface, allowing the suction function to be separated from the head structure while maintaining effective operation.
2Strength
If a rigid housing is used to contain the suction device, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the mass and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the gripping system into distinct functional modules: the gripping head with its own housing for containing suction cups, and a separate suction unit for the suction device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall mass while maintaining structural integrity where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is extracted from the head housing and placed in a separate unit, allowing the head housing to be lighter and simpler while still providing the necessary structural support for the suction cups and gripping function.
3Productivity
If multiple suction cups are used in a surface gripping head, then the gripping capacity is improved, but the mass and complexity of the head increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the separate suction unit universal by designing it to work with multiple gripping heads of different types (surface gripping heads with multiple suction cups, point gripping heads with single suction cups). This allows the suction unit to be shared across different applications, reducing overall system mass while maintaining high gripping capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the system into a reusable suction unit and separate gripping heads, the invention allows the multi-functional suction unit to serve multiple purposes, reducing the total mass required compared to having integrated suction devices in each head.
4Weight of moving object
If the suction device is mounted on a remote plate, then the gripping head can be lighter, but large-volume tubing is required between head and suction device
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the suction device with a separate suction unit that is positioned adjacent to the gripping head, eliminating the need for long large-volume tubing. The suction unit and head are combined into a compact assembly where the suction device is mounted on the suction unit rather than being remotely positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction unit serves as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the gripping head and the suction device, providing a compact connection interface that eliminates the need for extensive tubing while maintaining the separation of functions.
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 foam-based chassis reduces the mass and risk of user injury, allowing for a more versatile and compact gripping system capable of handling a variety of products.
Implementation Method 1
a suction path is provided between the sole and an outlet orifice of the gripping head intended to be connected to a suction block, the foam body thus forming alone, on at least part of the path, the separation between an air aspirated through said path and the outside of the gripping head
Data Source
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AI summary
A suction gripping head comprising at least a frame and a base (14) intended to rest against a product to be lifted, the base being arranged in the lower part of the frame. According to the invention, the head comprises a foam body (1) in which a suction path is provided between the base and an outlet orifice of the gripping head intended to be connected to a suction block, the foam body thus forming, along at least part of the path, the separation between air drawn through said path and the exterior of the gripping head so that the drawn air is in direct contact with the foam of the foam body.