Pivoting Vacuum Gripper for Variable-Size Flat Component Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum grippers face challenges in securely gripping and conveying components of different dimensions, particularly sheet metal parts, due to limitations in adaptability and safety during increased machining speeds, which can result in component loss and require complex and costly safety fences.
Innovation Solution
An automated vacuum gripper with pivotable support part elements and separate vacuum circuits allows for flexible adaptation to various component sizes, enabling secure gripping and conveying by adjusting suction elements and using redundant vacuum circuits to prevent component loss, and includes a feed unit with a portal-like guiding structure and retractable conveyor elements for efficient component handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed vacuum gripper with a set number of suction cups is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to components of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum gripper is divided into multiple independently controllable vacuum circuits, each with its own suction cups. This segmentation allows selective activation of specific vacuum circuits based on component size and shape, enabling adaptation to different dimensions without requiring a completely different gripper configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The gripper employs dynamically adjustable vacuum circuits that can be selectively activated or deactivated based on real-time detection of component dimensions. This dynamic control allows the same gripper structure to adapt to varying component sizes by engaging only the necessary vacuum circuits.
2Reliability
If suction cups are arranged in groups with separate vacuum circuits, then adaptability to component shape improves, but local failure or leaks still result in component loss
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure sensors are integrated into each suction cup to continuously monitor vacuum levels before and during component gripping. This preliminary detection allows the system to identify leaks or failures in individual suction cups before they cause component loss, enabling preventive action.
Solution Approach 2:
Each vacuum circuit is equipped with pressure sensors that provide real-time feedback on vacuum levels. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to detect leaks or failures in specific suction cups and respond by adjusting vacuum distribution or alerting operators, thereby maintaining reliable component gripping.
3Productivity
If increasing machining speeds are used to improve productivity, then output increases, but centrifugal forces increase causing component loss
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts vacuum parameters (pressure levels, distribution patterns) based on detected component characteristics and machining conditions. By optimizing vacuum parameters for high-speed operation, the system maintains sufficient holding force to counteract increased centrifugal forces while enabling higher productivity.
4Reliability
If safety fences are installed to prevent uncontrolled movement of lost components, then safety improves, but the system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated pressure sensing system performs preliminary detection of vacuum failures before components can be lost. By identifying leaks or grip failures in advance, the system can take preventive measures (such as slowing down or securing the component) before uncontrolled movement occurs, reducing or eliminating the need for extensive safety fencing.
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 enables secure and versatile handling of components of different sizes and geometries, preventing loss during high-speed machining and allowing for efficient, process-reliable conveyance to bending units, while reducing the need for complex safety measures.
Implementation Method 1
an automated vacuum gripper is provided, comprising a support part, on which a plurality of second suction elements is arranged, and at least one support part element, on which a plurality of first suction elements is arranged
Implementation Method 2
The at least one support part element is pivotably mounted at the support part by means of at least one bearing assembly
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an automated vacuum gripper, a feed unit and a method for conveying flat components (3). The vacuum gripper (1) comprises a support part (5), at least one support part element (7), a plurality of first suction elements (4′), which are arranged at the at least one support part element (7) and define a first suction plane; at least one bearing assembly (28) and at least one actuating assembly (29), wherein the at least one support part element (7) is pivotably mounted at the support part (5) by means of the at least one actuating assembly (29) about the at least one bearing assembly (28). The plurality of second elements (4) is arranged at the support part (5) and defines a second suction plane (19). The at least one support part element (7) with its first suction plane defined by the plurality of first suction elements (4′) is pivotable from a standby position that is at an angle relative to the second suction plane into a working position that is congruous with the second suction plane, and vice versa.