Vacuum Gripping Elements with Locking Couplings for Fast Changeover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum grippers are inefficient and costly for handling small quantities or special designs of components due to complex constructions and long delivery times, limiting their applicability in modern processing centers.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum gripping element with a base body, elastic sealing element, and locking coupling for fastening to a carrying device, allowing easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and featuring a simple, reliable design for efficient use in small quantities or special designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex constructional approaches are used to connect vacuum gripping elements to flange plates, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripping element is divided into modular components: a base body with integrated fastening means, a sealing element, and optional component-specific attachments. This segmentation allows simple manufacturing of individual parts while ensuring reliable connection through the integrated fastening mechanism, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and construction complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening means is merged directly into the base body of the vacuum gripping element, creating an integrated connection system. This eliminates the need for separate complex constructional approaches to connect gripping elements to flange plates, reducing device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the unified design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom-designed vacuum grippers are manufactured for special products, then the adaptability to specific components is improved, but the manufacturing cost and delivery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The base body with standardized fastening means serves as a universal component that can be adapted to various applications. By keeping the core structure standardized and only modifying or adding component-specific attachments when needed, the system achieves high adaptability while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through repeated production of the same base design.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum gripping element uses a standardized base body for common functions, with local modifications or additions only where specific product requirements demand. This allows most of the structure to be manufactured efficiently in standard quantities, while still achieving adaptability through localized customization, resolving the contradiction between product adaptability and manufacturing efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If simple fastening mechanisms are used, then the ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but the connection stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening means is designed to be self-actuating, utilizing the vacuum pressure itself to secure the gripping element to the carrier. The vacuum force automatically engages and maintains the connection, eliminating the need for complex manual fastening mechanisms while ensuring stable connection. This resolves the contradiction by making the system self-servicing for both assembly ease and connection stability.
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 economical manufacturing of components with quick assembly and disassembly, reducing assembly time and preventing component loss, while ensuring a stable and secure connection.
Implementation Method 1
serves for sucking in or holding a component to be transported when subjected to a vacuum
Implementation Method 2
an elastic, form-flexible sealing element which is connected to the base body and is provided for sealing contact with the component to be transported
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum gripping element and device hold a component to be transported when subjected to a vacuum. The device includes a carrying device and at least one vacuum gripping element connected releasably to the carrying device as needed. The element includes a base body with at least one vacuum supply channel and an elastic, form-flexible sealing element. A locking coupling forms a first fastener for positively connecting and releasing the gripping element relative to the carrying device as required. Alternatively, the base body includes first and second base body parts, the first part positively connecting and releasing relative to the carrying device as required by the first fastener, and the second part being connected to the elastic, form-flexible sealing element. A locking coupling forms a second fastener for positively connecting and releasing the first base body part relative to the second base body part as required.