Passive Release Valve for Faster Suction Gripper Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated suction gripper systems with electrically driven vacuum sources face inefficiencies in atmospheric release due to the use of large, bulky, and energy-intensive electrical valves, which prolong release times, especially when handling objects with non-leaking surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a passive valve that opens to ambient air when the pressure inside the suction gripper exceeds the operating pressure, enhancing the flow of ambient air during the release process without requiring additional energy, and optionally combining it with a first actuated valve to control air entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a larger electrical valve is used to enhance atmospheric release function, then the release speed is improved, but the valve becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The passive valve utilizes the pressure differential between the suction gripper interior and ambient atmosphere to automatically open and close without external actuation. The valve serves itself by using the system's own pressure variations to control its operation, eliminating the need for bulky electrical actuators while maintaining fast release speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using the pressure differential (ΔP) between the vacuum environment inside the suction gripper and ambient atmospheric pressure to drive the passive valve operation. This pneumatic actuation mechanism replaces electrical actuation, achieving fast release without increasing valve size or weight.
2Speed
If a larger electrical valve is used to enhance atmospheric release function, then the release speed is improved, but heat generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive valve eliminates electrical actuators entirely, using instead the natural pressure differential to open and close the valve. This removes the source of heat generation associated with electrical coils and motors, achieving fast release speed without thermal problems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrical-mechanical actuation system with a purely mechanical passive valve that responds to pressure differential. This substitution eliminates electrical components that generate heat, providing a thermally efficient solution for fast atmospheric release.
3Volume of stationary object
If compressed air piloted valves are used for atmospheric release, then the valve size is minimized, but compressed air supply is required
Solution Approach 1:
The passive valve design is universally compatible with any vacuum source type (electrical, pneumatic, mechanical) since it requires no external compressed air supply. The valve uses only the pressure differential inherent to the vacuum gripping operation, making it adaptable to diverse automation systems without additional infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive valve operates autonomously using the pressure differential generated by the vacuum source itself, eliminating dependence on external compressed air supplies. This self-service operation maintains compact valve size while achieving universal compatibility with different vacuum source types.
4Volume of stationary object
If the suction gripper volume to evacuate increases during release, then the release time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The passive valve is pre-configured with an opening orientation that faces the expanding bellows structure. As the bellows expand during release, they actively push ambient air through the passive valve into the gripper interior, preliminary preparing the air flow path before full expansion occurs. This reduces the time needed to evacuate the increasing volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive valve acts as an intermediary that facilitates air entry during bellows expansion. By positioning the valve to receive air flow from the expanding bellows, it mediates the volume increase problem, allowing the expanding structure itself to assist in filling the increasing volume rather than resisting the expansion.
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 passive valve significantly reduces release time and maintains a lightweight, energy-efficient solution, improving the efficiency of automated handling systems by accelerating the release process, particularly for objects with non-leaking surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
said second, passive, valve being configured to be in an open state in a relaxed condition thereof, and passively open to ambient air when a pressure inside the suction gripper is above an operating pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An end-of-arm tool comprising a suction gripper arrangement comprising a vacuum source, a suction gripper, a passive valve configured to allow for entry of ambient air into the suction gripper via the passive valve when a pressure inside the suction gripper is above an operating pressure is disclosed.