Integrated Vacuum Pump Suction Hand for Robot Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction hands for robots face issues with tube entanglement and noise generation due to separate vacuum pump placement, and require downsizing while maintaining functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a vacuum pump with an integrated housing and porous material covers for the exhaust port to reduce noise and size, eliminating the need for external tubes and enhancing durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the vacuum pump is disposed at a position separate from the suction hand, then the suction hand can be simplified, but the tube may become entangled with the robot during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is integrated into the suction hand assembly, merging two previously separate components (suction hand and vacuum pump) into a single unified unit. This eliminates the need for external tubing connections and prevents tube entanglement during robot operation, while the vacuum pump remains functional and accessible.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the vacuum pump is incorporated into the suction hand, then tube entanglement is prevented, but the vacuum pump size must be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A porous member is installed at the exhaust port of the vacuum pump to reduce noise by filtering and dampening the exhaust airflow. This noise reduction allows for a more compact vacuum pump design, as the exhaust system can be smaller and more integrated into the suction hand without compromising acoustic performance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vacuum pump is incorporated into the suction hand, then tube entanglement is prevented, but noise generated from the suction hand increases
Solution Approach 1:
A porous member is installed at the exhaust port of the vacuum pump to reduce noise by filtering and dampening the exhaust airflow. The porous structure creates multiple small openings that scatter and attenuate sound waves, reducing the overall noise level generated by the vacuum pump while maintaining its functionality within the integrated suction hand design.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If a complex noise reduction configuration is provided, then noise is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A porous member is installed at the exhaust port of the vacuum pump to reduce noise by filtering and dampening the exhaust airflow. The porous structure creates multiple small openings that scatter and attenuate sound waves, reducing the overall noise level generated by the vacuum pump while maintaining its functionality within the integrated suction hand design.
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 prevents tube entanglement, reduces noise by 12 dB, and allows for a compact design while maintaining effective suction and cooling of the motor, with cost-effective manufacturing using sintered stainless steel materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first member made of a porous material, the first member covering the exhaust port... air is discharged from the exhaust port via the first member. The air discharged from the exhaust port passes through fine gaps formed in the porous material, when passing through the first member. As a result, the pressure difference of air decreases to thereby reduce a pulsation sound (noise) generated at the exhaust port.
Data Source
AI summary
A robot suction hand mountable on an industrial robot and configured to hold a workpiece by suction using a suction unit. The robot suction hand includes: a vacuum pump incorporated in the robot suction hand. The vacuum pump has a housing in which an intake port and an exhaust port are formed, and configured to intermittently take in air from the intake port and intermittently discharge air from the exhaust port. The robot suction hand includes a suction path that communicates with the suction unit and the intake port and a first member made of a porous material. The first member covers the exhaust port.