Matrix Suction Grippers for Sheet Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handling systems for sheet-like elements, including those using roller conveyors and Bernoulli effect grippers, face issues with safe and precise positioning, energy efficiency, and limited handling capabilities for thicker or heavier materials, often resulting in vibrations, incorrect positioning, and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A handling system featuring a matrix of independent suction machines with individually controllable suction power, frustoconical conveyors, and magnetic means, allowing for secure gripping and precise positioning of sheet-like elements of varying thickness and material types, with optional use of needles and sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If Bernoulli effect grippers are used to lift sheet-like elements, then the sheet-like element can be lifted without traditional handling means, but the sheet-like element cannot be retained in an optimum transport position due to low friction and radial accelerations causing movement
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is divided into multiple independent suction cups arranged in a matrix, each capable of being individually controlled. This segmentation allows precise positioning by selectively activating specific suction cups to correct the position of the sheet-like element during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are equipped with individual control mechanisms that allow dynamic adjustment of suction power during transport. This enables real-time correction of positioning by modulating the suction force on specific cups, countering the low friction effects of the Bernoulli principle.
2Reliability
If very high pressures of compressed air are used in Bernoulli effect grippers to move heavy sheet-like elements, then safe movement can be achieved, but energy consumption becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying high suction pressure across the entire sheet-like element, only the necessary portion of suction cups are activated with the minimum required suction power to achieve safe movement. This partial action reduces energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction power of individual cups can be independently modulated based on the weight and position of the sheet-like element. This dynamic parameter adjustment allows the system to use minimal energy while ensuring safe movement by adapting suction force to actual needs.
3Device complexity
If a single source of suction air powers all suction cups, then the system structure is simplified, but suction efficiency is reduced when not all cups are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The suction system is segmented into independently controllable units (suction cups), each with its own control mechanism. This allows the system to activate only the necessary cups, preventing energy waste on unoccupied cups while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups can be selectively activated and deactivated based on the position and size of the sheet-like element. This periodic or selective activation pattern ensures that suction power is only consumed when and where needed, improving overall efficiency without requiring a completely complex system architecture.
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 system ensures safe, precise, and efficient handling of sheet-like elements by optimizing suction force and reducing energy consumption, accommodating different materials and geometries, while minimizing noise and maintaining secure grip during movement.
Implementation Method 1
Each single suction machine (6) has its own air suction source and is designed to apply a negative pressure (by means of an air suction) on a sheet-like element to be handled
Implementation Method 2
the use of handling means provided with particular grippers (in particular in the form of suction cups) operating according to the principle of the Bernoulli effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Described is a handling system (1) of sheet-like elements comprising: a plurality of gripping devices (60) arranged in a matrix fashion on a lying plane (10) each gripping device (60) of said plurality comprising a suction machine (6), designed to apply a negative pressure on a sheet-like element to be handled, said system (1) also comprising a command and control unit configured to command and control said suction machines (6).