Modular Suction Gripper Quick-Change Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface suction grippers in the woodworking industry face challenges with cumbersome cleaning and adaptation to different objects, as they require complete disassembly for maintenance and conversion, which is inefficient and time-consuming, especially when handling dirty or damp materials.
Innovation Solution
A surface suction gripper design that allows for the suction part to be disconnected from the gripper base without fully disassembling the device, featuring a quick-change mechanism with a suspension device for easy assembly and a modular structure with interchangeable flow valves and vacuum generators, enabling flexible use and maintenance without full disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the entire surface suction pad is dismantled for cleaning or adaptation, then complete access to all components is achieved, but the maintenance time and operational downtime increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad is divided into modular sections (first and second suction pads) that can be independently removed from the gripper base part. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access and clean specific suction pads without dismantling the entire device, thereby reducing maintenance time while ensuring complete access to the required components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surface suction pad is adapted to different objects by modifying hole patterns or flow valves, then versatility is improved, but the complexity of adjustment and reassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hole pattern and flow valve configuration are made adaptable through the modular design, where different suction pad variants can be quickly exchanged on the gripper base part. This dynamic reconfigurability allows the system to adapt to different objects and applications without requiring complex structural modifications or permanent alterations, simply by replacing the modular suction pad sections.
3Productivity
If the suction part is made detachable for easy maintenance, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but the connection reliability and vacuum seal may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The suction part is extracted as a separate, detachable module from the gripper base part, allowing it to be removed for maintenance and cleaning without affecting the base structure. This extraction is designed with quick-connect mechanisms that maintain reliable vacuum sealing during operation, while enabling rapid removal when maintenance is required, thus preserving connection reliability while dramatically improving maintenance efficiency.
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 easier maintenance and adaptation to various applications by allowing the suction part to be detached and reattached easily, reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency in handling diverse workpieces, particularly in dirty or damp conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a suction part (14) facing the object, which can be connected to the gripper base part (12)
Data Source
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AI summary
Surface suction gripper for suction and handling an object, comprising a gripper base part having a first vacuum chamber that can be evacuated by means of a vacuum supply, and a suction part facing the object with a suction side that can be connected to the gripper base part, wherein a quick-change device is provided which is designed for a particularly fluid-tight connection of the gripper base part and the suction part and is designed in such a way that the suction part can be partially, in particular on one side, connected to the gripper base part to achieve a pre-assembly position, in such a way that the suction part can be moved into a final assembly position for a fluid-tight connection with the gripper base part, in particular foldable.