Gripping Device With Self-Generating Vacuum Contact Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gripping devices using pneumatically acting suction cups require complex and costly negative pressure generation systems, which are prone to blockages and difficult to install, limiting their reliability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomeric materials with ferromagnetic particles that undergo elastic deformation in electric or magnetic fields to generate negative pressure, eliminating the need for central vacuum supply lines and pressure valves, allowing for more cost-effective and reliable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central negative pressure generation unit with pressure lines is used, then negative pressure can be generated for suction cups, but the system becomes complex and costly to install and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the negative pressure generation function from the central vacuum supply unit and relocates it directly into the contact element itself. The contact element now contains an integrated vacuum generation unit that creates negative pressure locally at the gripping interface, eliminating the need for extensive pressure lines and central vacuum supply infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element is designed to generate its own negative pressure internally through the integrated vacuum generation unit. This self-service capability allows the contact element to create and maintain the necessary vacuum pressure for gripping without requiring external pressure lines or a central vacuum supply system, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Ease of operation
If pressure reducing valves are used to vary negative pressure, then holding force can be adjusted, but the system becomes costly and susceptible to blockages from contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the pressure reducing valves and central vacuum supply unit from the system. Instead of using external valves to control pressure, the contact element generates negative pressure internally through an integrated vacuum generation unit, eliminating the problematic intermediate components that were prone to blockages and failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact element autonomously generates and regulates its own negative pressure through the integrated vacuum generation unit, eliminating the need for external pressure reducing valves. This self-contained approach removes the reliability issues associated with valves being blocked by contamination, as there are no separate valve components in the pressure control path.
3Force
If contact pressure is increased to improve fixation, then holding force increases, but the component may be damaged by excessive pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces pneumatic pressure control as a separate mechanism from mechanical contact pressure. The integrated vacuum generation unit creates negative pressure that acts on the contact element to enhance holding force, allowing the system to increase gripping strength without proportionally increasing the mechanical contact pressure that could damage the component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of the contact element by introducing negative pressure, which alters the contact mechanics. The negative pressure creates a suction effect that enhances holding force without requiring proportional increases in contact pressure, thereby preventing component damage while maintaining strong grip.
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
This solution enables optimized component fixation with adjustable holding forces without increasing contact pressure, enhancing the gripping device's reliability and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for complex pressure systems and reducing the risk of blockages.
Implementation Method 1
inducing a negative pressure by elastic deformation of the contact element via an electric or alternatively magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The pneumatically acting means comprise an elastomer material containing ferromagnetic particles or permanent magnets
Implementation Method 3
magnetic field generating means, in particular coil means, can also be assigned to the pneumatically acting means... wherein the coil means have at least one winding in order to generate a magnetic field when energized
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a gripping device (1) for holding at least one component (8), comprising holding means (2) having at least one contact element (3) comprising a contact face (4) for holding the at least one component (8), wherein the contact element (3) has pneumatically acting means (5) for producing a negative pressure between the at least one component (8) and the contact face (4).