Integrated Valve Assembly for Portable Vacuum Workpiece Holder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum holding devices, such as the vacuum block, are not suitable for mobile applications as they require external valve arrangements for suction control, limiting their use in diverse locations like construction sites or workshops.
Innovation Solution
A workpiece holder with a valve assembly that includes a check valve and a switching valve, allowing independent control of vacuum at the parking foot, maintaining negative pressure and enabling easy detachment from a base without external valves, integrated into a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external valve arrangement is used to control vacuum at the parking foot, then vacuum control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and mobility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the valve arrangement directly into the workpiece holder, merging the vacuum control function with the holder structure. The valve arrangement includes a switching valve with a sliding element that controls vacuum flow to the parking foot, eliminating the need for external valve components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable vacuum control.
Solution Approach 2:
The workpiece holder becomes self-sufficient by incorporating its own valve arrangement for vacuum control. The integrated valve allows the holder to independently regulate vacuum at the parking foot without requiring external control systems, enabling portable and mobile applications.
2Ease of operation
If the workpiece holder is integrated with a valve arrangement, then ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve arrangement is extracted as a distinct functional module within the workpiece holder structure. It includes a housing with a sliding element that can be easily actuated by hand, providing intuitive control over vacuum flow to the parking foot. This modular extraction maintains operational simplicity while integrating necessary control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the vacuum control system. By moving the sliding element along a guide, the operator indirectly controls the opening and closing of vacuum passages, providing ease of operation through a simple mechanical interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air ducts and connections are used, then functionality improves, but leakage losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple air duct functions are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The housing contains all necessary passages for vacuum flow to both the suction head and parking foot, with seals positioned only at critical external interfaces. This consolidation reduces the number of separate connections and potential leakage points while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Sealing is applied selectively at critical locations where connections to the external environment occur. The housing includes seals at the suction head connection and vacuum supply connection, but internal passages are designed to minimize additional sealing requirements, reducing leakage opportunities while maintaining functional versatility.
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 a universally usable, portable vacuum holding device that maintains vacuum pressure and allows easy removal from a base, reducing leakage losses and enhancing mobility and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
maintains a vacuum to be applied to the parking foot port when the pilot valve is in the hold position
Implementation Method 2
The valve assembly also has a check valve that maintains a vacuum to be applied to the parking foot port
Implementation Method 3
a valve arrangement (35) with a switching valve (36) for switching the vacuum on the underside of the plate-like support foot (34)
Implementation Method 4
A vacuum generating device (14) generates a vacuum for sucking up a respective workpiece
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The holder has a valve arrangement (35) with a stable base connector (39) for supplying vacuum to a stable base (34) and a control valve (36) that is switchable between a retaining position and a ventilation position. The control valve establishes a connection between the connector (39) and a vacuum supply connector (38), so that low pressure is made available at the connector (39). The control valve separates the connection between the connector (39) and the connector (38) when the valve is in ventilation position for detaching the stable base from ground.