Passive Vacuum Valves for Gripping Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum end-of-arm tools face challenges in maximizing force on objects due to incomplete contact between suction cups and objects, especially with objects of varying shapes, leading to reduced gripping ability and increased complexity and cost with active valve control systems.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum manifold with passive valves that are biased closed and open when an object engages the vacuum port, featuring a moving component with a channel, bleed orifice, and biasing mechanism, allowing for efficient vacuum application without active control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple vacuum sources are coupled to each suction cup independently, then the lack of contact between one suction cup and the object does not affect the operation of other suction cups, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the vacuum distribution into multiple independent zones by providing separate vacuum sources or separate vacuum lines to each suction cup, allowing independent operation of each cup while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary to manage multiple vacuum sources or to coordinate the operation of suction cups, enabling selective activation of individual cups based on contact detection
2Reliability
If each suction cup is coupled to a single vacuum source in parallel with a valve for each suction cup, then valves can be independently controlled to open when the corresponding suction cup contacts the object, but the system becomes complex and expensive due to active control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups are equipped with self-contained valves that automatically open or close based on local conditions (contact detection), eliminating the need for centralized active control while maintaining independent operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Valves are pre-configured to respond automatically to contact conditions, so that when an object contacts a suction cup, the corresponding valve is already positioned to allow vacuum application without requiring active control signals
3Force
If all suction cups are used to maximize vacuum force, then the gripping force is maximized, but incomplete contact between some suction cups and the object reduces overall gripping ability
Solution Approach 1:
Each suction cup is equipped with its own valve that can be independently controlled or activated, allowing the system to apply vacuum force locally only to those cups that are in contact with the object, ensuring reliable gripping without wasting force on non-contacting cups
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 solution effectively prevents leakage from non-engaged ports, maximizes vacuum force on engaged ports, and simplifies the system by eliminating the need for active valve control, thereby enhancing gripping ability and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
when a vacuum is drawn in the vacuum chamber and the port is engaged by an object, a pressure on the second end of the moving component is reduced to overcome a force of the vacuum chamber and cause the moving component to passively move from the closed position to the open position
Implementation Method 2
The biasing mechanism is configured to bias the moving component to the closed position
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2A~3B
AI summary
A valve can be located in a vacuum manifold between a vacuum chamber and a port. The valve includes a moving component that has opposing first and second ends and is movable between a closed position and an open position. A channel extends through the moving component between the first and second ends. A bleed orifice extends through the moving component between the channel and a side of the moving component. In the closed position, the first end of the moving component is in contact with the vacuum chamber. When a vacuum is drawn in the vacuum chamber and an object engages the port, the bleed orifice permits gas to such so that a pressure on the second end of the moving component is reduced to overcome a force of the biasing mechanism and cause the moving component to passively move from the closed position to the open position.