Magnetic Operating Plates for Suction Heads With Quick Format Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suction devices for retaining and transporting objects in forming and sealing machines require lengthy and complex format changes, involving the replacement of moulds and suction devices, leading to high downtimes due to the need for gas seal restoration in pneumatic circuit parts.
Innovation Solution
A suction device comprising a main supporting body and interchangeable operating plates with magnetically coupled ferromagnetic elements, allowing for quick and easy format changes by using magnets and ferromagnetic bodies to secure the operating plates to the main supporting body, reducing the need for complex assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suction devices are used for format changes, then the suction device can be replaced, but the format change time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is divided into a main supporting body and interchangeable operating plates. Each operating plate is designed for specific object formats, allowing quick replacement without replacing the entire suction device. This segmentation enables rapid format changes by swapping only the necessary operating plate.
Solution Approach 2:
The main supporting body is designed with universal features including connecting faces and sealing mechanisms that work with multiple types of operating plates. This universal design allows a single main body to support various operating plates for different formats, reducing the need for complete device replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suction devices are used for format changes, then the suction device can be replaced, but the device complexity increases due to assembly and disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system replaces traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms such as screws, clips, or latches. The ferromagnetic elements embedded in the operating plates are attracted to the main supporting body, providing secure attachment without complex mechanical assembly. This substitution significantly simplifies the coupling process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional suction devices are used for format changes, then the suction device can be replaced, but gas seal restoration is required increasing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are pre-configured on the operating plates and automatically engage with the main supporting body when the plate is coupled. This preliminary positioning ensures that gas seals are already in place and properly configured before the operating plate is fully attached, eliminating the need for separate seal restoration steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism is designed to self-engage and self-seal when the operating plate is coupled to the main supporting body. The sealing elements automatically align and create gas-tight connections without requiring external intervention or separate restoration procedures, reducing downtime and ensuring reliability.
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 significantly reduces the time and complexity of format changes, minimizing downtimes and production costs while maintaining efficient suction performance across different object formats.
Implementation Method 1
each of which is magnetically coupled to one or more magnets (13) when the operating plate (3) is associated with the main supporting body (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A suction device for retaining and/or transporting objects, comprising a main supporting body (2) and at least one operating plate (3) provided with suction holes (7) connected to and suction means, in which the operating plate (3) is removably associated with the main supporting body (2) and has a second connecting face (5) coupled to a first connecting face (4) of the main supporting body (2), and in which the device also comprises one or more magnets (13) and one or more ferromagnetic bodies (14), each ferromagnetic body (14) being magnetically coupled to one or more magnets (13) when the operating plate (3) is associated with the main supporting body (2) for keeping the operating plate (3) fastened to the main supporting body (2), each magnet (13) and the ferromagnetic body (14) magnetically coupled to it being constrained respectively one to the operating plate (3), the other to the main supporting body (2).