Modular Vacuum Gripper with Integrated Control Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surface area vacuum grippers are difficult to retrofit for use with other vacuum generators due to externally placed control valves that occupy space and are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular design with integrated control valves in the cover plate allows for easy exchange of an insert element, enabling the surface area vacuum gripper to be retrofitted for different vacuum supply devices and functions, reducing spatial requirements by integrating control units within the cover plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If control valves are placed externally on the housing or cover plate, then the vacuum gripper can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the control valves take up space and are exposed to damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is integrated into the insert element, merging the control function with the insert element structure. This eliminates the need for separate external control valves, reducing space requirements and protecting the control function within the protected insert element housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is nested within the insert element housing, placing the control function inside the insert element rather than externally. This nested arrangement protects the control valve while maintaining ease of assembly and disassembly through the insert element mechanism.
2Device complexity
If control valves are placed externally on the housing or cover plate, then the vacuum gripper structure is simple, but retrofitting to other vacuum generators is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripper is segmented into modular components: a reusable cover plate, a removable insert element containing the control valve, and a housing. This segmentation allows the insert element to be exchanged for different vacuum generator configurations, enabling easy retrofitting while maintaining overall structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert element is designed to be dynamically removable and replaceable, allowing the system to adapt to different vacuum generator requirements. The control valve integrated in the insert element can be reconfigured or replaced without affecting the main housing or cover plate structure.
3Volume of moving object
If control valves are integrated in the cover plate, then space requirements are reduced and damage risk is minimized, but the cover plate design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is merged with the insert element rather than the cover plate itself. The insert element acts as an intermediary carrier that integrates the control valve and can be attached to the cover plate, maintaining cover plate simplicity while achieving space efficiency and protection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If externally placed control valves are used, then the vacuum gripper can handle multiple functions, but the control valves are exposed to harmful environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is nested within the insert element housing, protecting it from environmental harmful factors such as contamination, moisture, and physical damage. The insert element acts as a protective enclosure that maintains functional flexibility while shielding the control valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert element housing serves dual purposes: it contains the control valve for functional flexibility while simultaneously protecting it from environmental harmful factors. The very structure that enables functional adaptability also provides the protective benefit.
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 modular design facilitates economical retrofitting and reduces the risk of damage by allowing control valves to be used for both internal and external vacuum generation, enabling flexible functionality and space efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the functional device is preferably a vacuum generator (in particular for generating a vacuum in the opening in the insert element)
Implementation Method 2
the cover plate has a pressurized air inlet, to which a pressurized air supply can be connected
Data Source
AI summary
A surface area vacuum gripper having a housing with suction openings for sucking a workpiece to be gripped, at least one cover plate that seals the end face of the housing, an insertion element that can be inserted into the housing, wherein the insertion element can be fixed at the cover plate and comprises at least one opening which is flow-connected with the suction openings in the housing, the cover plate comprising a compressed air inlet. The insertion element comprises a functional device for controlling a flow through the opening of the insert.