Integrated Ejector in Extruded Profile for Gripper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underpressure surface gripping devices are excessively large due to the mounting of vacuum generators and mufflers on a holding plate, resulting in a long lever arm that complicates handling of workpieces and limits the weight that can be grasped by a robot arm.
Innovation Solution
An underpressure surface gripping device with an extruded profile that integrates the ejector within a single hollow chamber, where the ejector's suction opening communicates with a flow-through opening, allowing direct mounting of the robot flange on the profile's upper side and reducing the lever arm length, and optionally using a lid for pressure connection and positioning of the ejector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If vacuum generator and mufflers are mounted on a holding plate, then all functional parts are housed externally, but the device height becomes excessively large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the vacuum generator and mufflers into a single compact unit mounted directly on the gripping device, merging previously separate components (vacuum generator, mufflers, holding plate) into an integrated assembly that reduces overall height while maintaining functional separation for manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum generator is positioned within the structural envelope of the gripping device, with the muffler integrated into the same housing structure, creating a nested arrangement where components occupy overlapping spatial volumes rather than extending linearly
2Strength
If components are mounted on a holding plate, then structural support is provided, but the lever arm on the robot flange becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The holding plate structure is merged with the vacuum generator mounting, eliminating the need for a separate extended mounting bracket. The structural support function is maintained through the integrated housing while the lever arm is reduced to the minimum necessary distance from the robot flange to the vacuum plate center
3Length of moving object
If the extruded profile is used to house the ejector, then the lever arm is reduced, but the profile thickness must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The ejector is oriented with its axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extruded profile, allowing the muffler to extend in the transverse direction rather than increasing the profile thickness. This dimensional reorientation maintains a thin profile while accommodating all ejector components
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 solution reduces the size of the gripping device, enabling the robot arm to handle heavier workpieces by minimizing the lever arm length and allowing for modular adjustment and reduced air consumption and reaction time.
Implementation Method 1
an ejector as a vacuum generator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns an underpressure surface gripping device with an extruded profile having a hollow chamber, a vacuum plate which is mounted parallel to the extruded profile, at least one flow through opening which connects the extruded profile to the vacuum plate, and with an ejector as a vacuum generator, wherein the ejector is inserted into the hollow chamber of the extruded profile and the suction opening of the ejector communicates with the flow through opening.