Jet Pump Positioning Assembly for Low-Loss Sheet Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheet material processing machines face inefficiencies in energy consumption due to high suction force requirements, which are not optimally addressed by current positioning devices and assemblies, leading to potential sheet deformation and machine interruptions.
Innovation Solution
The positioning device features smooth, continuous cross sections in its circulation and suction channels, reducing pressure losses and enabling efficient fluid flow with lower energy input, achieved through additive manufacturing techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional positioning devices with standard channel designs are used, then sufficient suction force can be generated to hold sheet material, but energy consumption increases and pressure losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation channel and suction channel are designed with continuously curved walls and smooth transitions instead of sharp corners or abrupt changes. The circulation channel features a rounded bottom surface and smoothly connected sections, while the suction channel has a continuously curved profile. These curved geometries reduce flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure losses and energy consumption while maintaining effective suction force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the channels including cross-sectional area variations, wall curvature radii, and channel lengths. The circulation channel has a specific length-to-diameter ratio and the suction channel is positioned at optimized distances from the circulation channel. These parameter optimizations ensure laminar flow conditions and reduce resistance, lowering energy requirements while maintaining sufficient suction force.
2Reliability
If conventional positioning devices are used, then sheet material can be held, but sheet deformation may occur due to insufficient or excessive suction
Solution Approach 1:
The suction channel is positioned locally adjacent to the circulation channel at specific points where suction force is most needed. The suction opening is located at a precise distance from the circulation channel to create an optimized suction field distribution. This localized suction approach provides uniform holding force across the sheet material surface, preventing deformation while ensuring reliable holding.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuously curved walls of both circulation and suction channels create smooth flow patterns that generate uniform suction force distribution. The rounded geometries prevent flow separation and turbulence that could cause localized high-stress points on the sheet material, thereby maintaining sheet flatness while ensuring reliable holding throughout the entire sheet surface.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard channel designs are used in positioning devices, then manufacturing is straightforward, but pressure losses increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation channel and suction channel are designed with continuously curved walls and smooth transitions that can be efficiently manufactured using additive manufacturing (3D printing) techniques. The rounded bottom surface of the circulation channel and the smoothly connected sections are naturally formed by layer-by-layer deposition. These curved geometries simultaneously reduce flow separation and turbulence, minimizing pressure losses and energy consumption while maintaining manufacturability through modern additive processes.
4Reliability
If high suction force is applied to prevent sheet deformation, then holding reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuously curved walls of the circulation and suction channels create smooth, laminar flow patterns that minimize turbulence and pressure losses. This efficient flow geometry allows the system to generate the required suction force with lower energy input compared to conventional channels with sharp corners or abrupt transitions. The rounded geometries prevent flow separation, ensuring that the suction force is generated more efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The optimized geometric parameters including channel cross-sectional areas, wall curvature radii, and relative positioning of channels create favorable flow conditions. The circulation channel length-to-diameter ratio and suction channel distance from the circulation channel are specifically optimized to maintain laminar flow and minimize resistance. These parameter optimizations enable the system to achieve high holding reliability with reduced energy consumption by lowering the pressure drop required to generate the necessary 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
This design enhances energy efficiency, allowing for higher suction forces with reduced power consumption, minimizing sheet deformation and machine interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
A suction channel connects the suction opening to the circulation channel, wherein the suction channel is connected to the circulation channel adjacent to the section of the reduced cross section area such that a jet pump is formed
Implementation Method 2
the circulation channel comprises a section of reduced cross section area... a suction channel connects the suction opening to the circulation channel, wherein the suction channel is connected to the circulation channel adjacent to the section of the reduced cross section area such that a jet pump is formed
Implementation Method 3
The positioning device features smooth, continuous cross sections in its circulation and suction channels, reducing pressure losses and enabling efficient fluid flow with lower energy input
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning device (38) for holding a flat flexible part, especially a sheet, on a positioning surface is described. It comprises a body (44) with a fluid inlet port (52) for supplying a driver fluid to the body (44), a fluid outlet port (58) for draining the driver fluid from the body (44), and a suction opening for aspiring the flat flexible part. A circulation channel (60) connects the fluid inlet port (52) and the fluid outlet port (58) and a suction channel (70) connects the suction opening to the circulation channel (60). The suction channel (70) is connected to the circulation channel (60) adjacent to a section (64) of reduced cross section area such that a jet pump (71) is formed. Every cross section (Sc) of the circulation channel (60) and/or every cross section (Ss) of the suction channel (70) along its entire respective length have/has a smooth rim. Additionally, a positioning assembly comprising at least one such positioning device (38) is presented. Moreover, a sheet material processing machine is introduced which comprises at least one positioning assembly.