Modular Vacuum Gripper Design for Mass Production
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and high cost of manufacturing vacuum chambers for various gripping applications, due to their variable shape, weight, and size, as well as differing vacuum levels and grip cycle times, hinder mass production and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular vacuum chamber design featuring a first and second plate, ribs forming side walls, assembly means, sealing means, and vacuum generation mechanisms, allowing for adaptable manufacturing and efficient mass production by sizing and manufacturing components based on specific application constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum chambers are customized for each particular gripping application with variable shape, weight and size, then the gripping performance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum chamber is divided into modular components including a base plate, side walls with ribs, and a cover plate that can be assembled in different configurations. This segmentation allows standardization of individual components while enabling customization of the complete chamber for different gripping applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design with standardized base plates, side walls, and cover plates creates universal components that can be reused across different vacuum chamber configurations. This multi-functionality reduces manufacturing complexity by using the same components for various gripping applications.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum chambers are customized for each particular gripping application, then the specific gripping constraints are met, but the manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized base plates, side walls, and cover plates are pre-manufactured with predetermined dimensions and features. This preliminary action allows rapid assembly of custom vacuum chambers by simply selecting and combining pre-made components rather than manufacturing each chamber from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the vacuum chamber into pre-manufacturable modular components, the invention enables parallel production of multiple chamber parts, significantly reducing total manufacturing time while maintaining application-specific customization.
3Manufacturing precision
If vacuum chambers are manufactured individually for each application, then the specific dimensions are optimized, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses universal base plates, side walls, and cover plates that can be mass-produced at lower costs. These standardized components maintain manufacturing precision through consistent design while reducing production costs through economies of scale.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows adjustment of chamber dimensions by changing the number or configuration of standardized components rather than creating entirely new custom parts. This parameter change approach maintains dimensional optimization while leveraging standardized manufacturing processes.
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
This design simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces costs, and enables efficient mass production of vacuum chambers compatible with diverse gripping applications, enhancing production efficiency and reducing time-to-market.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum generation means suitable for sucking in the air contained inside the casing via the upstream orifice to generate a vacuum in the casing
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a casing that has a modular vacuum and comprises: a first plate (3); a second plate (4) having at least one downstream opening bored therein; framework members (5); assembly means for assembling the first plate (3), the second plate (4), and the framework members (5); at least one upstream opening located on one of the walls of the casing (1); sealing means; vacuum generation means (8) capable of suctioning the air contained inside the casing via the upstream opening; and at least one deformable element (13) extending onto the second plate (4) such as to form a surface making sealing contact with the part (2) when the air contained inside the casing (1) is suctioned in.