Noncontact Support Platform Edge Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noncontact support platforms often cause downward bending of thin workpieces due to variations in the air cushion, which can lead to damage or improper processing during inspection or transportation.
Innovation Solution
A noncontact support platform with a surface featuring pressure ports and vacuum ports connected by channels oriented at an oblique angle, creating a fluid cushion that applies a stronger suction force to the edges of the workpiece, thereby preventing bending and maintaining the workpiece at a constant distance from the table.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a uniform air cushion is used to support the workpiece, then the workpiece is held at a fixed distance from the table, but thin workpieces experience downward bending due to air cushion pressure variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform suction forces at different locations on the workpiece. Specifically, edges of the workpiece experience weaker suction forces compared to the center, creating a differential force distribution that lifts the edges and prevents downward bending. This is achieved through strategically positioned vacuum ports and channels that generate location-specific air flow patterns.
2Shape
If stronger suction force is applied to prevent bending, then workpiece flatness is improved, but the workpiece may be held too close to the table causing contact and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by applying different suction force levels to different regions. The center of the workpiece experiences stronger suction that prevents excessive lifting, while the edges experience weaker suction that prevents downward bending. This spatially varying force distribution is achieved through the specific arrangement of vacuum ports and channels, allowing simultaneous prevention of both bending and contact damage.
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 platform effectively prevents edge bending and warping of thin workpieces, ensuring they remain flat and secure during processing and transportation, facilitating inspection and processing operations without physical contact with the table.
Implementation Method 1
The outward flow through the pressure ports and the inward flow through the vacuum ports configured to form a fluid cushion to support a workpiece at a nonzero distance from the table
Implementation Method 2
a suction force that is exerted by the connected vacuum ports on the edge is weaker than the suction force that is exerted by the connected vacuum ports on a part of the workpiece where both of the connected vacuum ports are covered
Data Source
AI summary
A noncontact support platform includes pressure ports distributed on a surface of a table, each connected to a pressure source. Vacuum ports are distributed on the surface of the table, each connected to a vacuum source. Outward flow through the pressure ports and inward flow through the vacuum ports form a fluid cushion to support a workpiece at a nonzero distance from the table. A plurality of channels each connect at least two of the vacuum ports to enable flow of fluid between the connected vacuum ports. When one of the connected vacuum ports is covered by an edge of the workpiece and the other is not, a suction force that is exerted by the connected vacuum ports on the edge is weaker than the suction force that is exerted on a part of the workpiece where both of the connected vacuum ports are covered.