Pneumatic Base Assembly for Frictionless End Effector Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for coupling end effectors to structures, such as aircraft, require significant time, labor, and risk accidental damage due to the need for secondary support structures and vacuum suction devices, which increase operational complexity and risk.

Innovation Solution

A base assembly with a pneumatic generator that operates in both suction and blower modes, allowing secure coupling to a surface via vacuum force and frictionless movement across the surface via air cushion, reducing the need for additional support structures and minimizing damage risk.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vacuum suction device is used to couple the end effector to the structure, then the end effector can be securely attached, but the operational time and labor required increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the vacuum suction device with the end effector into a single integrated unit. The base assembly includes both the end effector functionality and the vacuum coupling mechanism, eliminating the need for separate positioning and attachment operations. This merging reduces operational time while maintaining secure attachment through the vacuum force generated by the pneumatic generator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If a secondary support structure is positioned adjacent the structure to support the end effector, then the end effector can be supported during operations, but the amount of time, labor, and equipment required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveend effector supportVSAvoidsupport structure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the secondary support structure from the system by providing inherent support through the base assembly's own design. The base assembly can support the end effector directly through its structure, removing the need for external support frameworks and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If a vacuum suction device is used to couple the end effector to the structure, then attachment is achieved, but the risk of accidental damage to the structure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoiddamage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a cushioning element between the base assembly and the structure surface. This cushioning layer protects the structure from potential damage caused by the vacuum suction device, allowing secure attachment while eliminating the harmful effect of direct contact that could cause accidental damage to the structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Ease of operation

If the end effector and vacuum suction device are maneuvered into position along the structure, then the desired position is achieved, but the amount of time and labor required increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning capabilityVSAvoidpositioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the positioning and attachment functions into a single operation. By integrating the vacuum suction device with the end effector base assembly, the system can be positioned and attached in one continuous action rather than requiring separate maneuvering and attachment steps, significantly reducing positioning time and labor requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 quicker, safer, and more efficient coupling and repositioning of end effectors, reducing operational time and damage risk while maintaining secure attachment to the structure.

Implementation Method 1

The second side having the at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum force: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The second side having the at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir cushion: Air Lubrication

Data Source

PatentUS10001245B2Apparatus and method for coupling an end effector to a structure

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A base assembly for coupling an end effector to a structure includes a first side and an opposite second side. The first side configured to couple to the end effector. The base assembly also includes at least one cavity disposed on the second side, and at least one pneumatic generator coupled in flow communication with the at least one cavity. The at least one pneumatic generator is operable in a suction mode and a blower mode. The second side having the at least one cavity is securely coupleable to a surface of the structure via a vacuum force induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the suction mode, and the second side having the at least one cavity is movable substantially frictionlessly across the surface via an air cushion induced by the at least one pneumatic generator in the blower mode.