Magnetic Holding Device for Suction Gripper Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum handling apparatuses require cumbersome attachment and removal processes for suction grippers, which are not user-friendly and lack efficient manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
A holding device that allows for detachable attachment of suction grippers via linear pushing or rotational insertion, featuring a glide shoe with oblique dimensions and a locking mechanism with a spring-biased tappet and spherical blocking body for secure vacuum communication, enabling convenient and secure attachment and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction gripper is attached using a complex locking mechanism, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking mechanisms with a magnetic coupling system. The base side part and suction gripper side part contain magnetic elements that automatically attract and secure the components together through magnetic force, eliminating the need for manual locking operations while ensuring reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic coupling system enables self-alignment and self-securing of the suction gripper to the base part. When brought into proximity, the magnetic attraction automatically guides the components into proper alignment and secures them without requiring manual intervention or complex locking procedures.
2Productivity
If a suction gripper is made large in size, then the productivity is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system allows large suction grippers to be easily attached and detached without manual manipulation of complex fasteners. The magnetic attraction provides secure holding force for large components while enabling simple approach-and-release operation, maintaining ease of use regardless of gripper size.
3Device complexity
If a suction gripper is made small in size, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic coupling system provides consistent attachment characteristics for suction grippers of all sizes. Even small grippers benefit from the automatic magnetic alignment and securing mechanism, eliminating the need for manual dexterity to manipulate small fasteners or connectors.
4Ease of operation
If a suction gripper is made rotationally symmetrical, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric magnetic element arrangements within the rotationally symmetrical housing structures. The magnetic elements are positioned at specific asymmetric locations to provide unique orientation guidance during attachment, ensuring precise alignment while maintaining the external rotational symmetry for ease of operation.
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
Facilitates easy and secure attachment and removal of suction grippers, enhancing user experience and manufacturing efficiency by allowing multiple attachment methods and ensuring reliable vacuum communication.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (54) and a blocking body (56), which can be engaged by the tappet (52) in the sliding seat receptacle (28) and, depending on the position of the tappet (52), can prevent the glide shoe (34) from being detached or can be brought into a position in which the blocking body (56) can be engaged by the tappet (52)
Implementation Method 2
the suction gripper for suctioning an object is provided on the vacuum handling apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a holding device for a suction gripper or for another interface member on a base of a vacuum handling apparatus, wherein the holding device is designed for detachable and preferably tool-free attachment of the suction gripper to the base and has a first direction and a second direction orthogonal thereto.