Interchangeable Gripper Head for Delicate Low-Area Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cups require a minimum surface area and cannot handle delicate components, necessitating high suction forces, leading to increased weight and size, which reduces system performance and prolongs cycle times due to secondary valves for ejection.
Innovation Solution
A gripper head apparatus with interchangeable gripper heads and an air conveyor system that generates airflow to securely hold components with minimal surface area or fragility, allowing for efficient transport and rapid release without secondary valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suction cups are used to transport components, then components with sufficient surface area can be held, but components with minimal surface area or delicate components cannot be transported
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is divided into multiple independent chambers, each capable of creating localized vacuum zones. This segmentation allows the suction force to be distributed across multiple small contact points rather than requiring a large continuous surface area, enabling reliable transport of delicate components with minimal surface area while maintaining holding reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the suction cup are designed with varying properties - some chambers have higher suction force for secure holding, while others have softer materials for gentle contact with delicate surfaces. This local differentiation allows the cup to adapt to different component geometries and fragility levels, improving both adaptability and reliability
2Ease of operation
If standard suction cups with secondary valves are used to provide ejection pulse, then component release is enabled, but cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release valve is integrated directly into the main valve body rather than being a separate component. This merging of functions allows the same valve mechanism to control both vacuum generation and release operations, eliminating the need for separate valve actuation sequences and reducing overall cycle time while maintaining ease of component release
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operates in periodic cycles - vacuum phase for holding, then rapid release phase for ejection. By optimizing the timing and duration of each phase through the integrated valve design, the system achieves efficient component release with minimal cycle time, balancing ease of operation with time efficiency
3Force
If large suction rate is required to hold components, then holding force is sufficient, but end of arm tooling weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses pneumatic amplification where a small control pressure difference drives a larger volume of air through the multiple chambers, creating sufficient holding force without requiring a large suction rate from the vacuum source. This pneumatic leverage reduces the size and weight of the vacuum pump and associated tooling while maintaining adequate holding force
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the suction cup into multiple chambers that work in parallel, the total holding force is distributed across several smaller vacuum zones. This segmentation allows the use of smaller, lighter vacuum components that can still generate sufficient cumulative holding force, reducing end of arm tooling weight and size while maintaining adequate suction force
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 secure transport of components with minimal surface area or fragility, reducing system weight and size while minimizing cycle times and improving performance.
Implementation Method 1
an air conveyor positioned within the chamber. The air conveyor is configured to generate the air flow through an inlet and out through the exhaust
Implementation Method 2
The inlet includes an inlet port with a nozzle in communication with the central bore and the exhaust port
Data Source
AI summary
A gripping apparatus is provided for transporting components from one location to another. The gripping apparatus includes a body defining a chamber and an exhaust at a first end of the body. The apparatus also includes a gripper head configured to be attached to a second end of the body opposite to the first end. The gripper head defines one or more openings and a nest having a profile configured to locate and releasably hold a component based on an air flow generated within the chamber and discharged through the exhaust. The apparatus also includes an air conveyor positioned within the chamber. The air conveyor is configured to generate the air flow through an inlet and out through the exhaust. The air conveyor defines a central bore and an exhaust port. The inlet includes an inlet port with a nozzle in communication with the central bore and the exhaust port.