Pneumatic Tool Connecting Device with Integrated Venting Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional connecting devices for pneumatic tools and robotic manipulators fail to safely and quickly disconnect tools, leading to potential operator injury due to delayed closure of compressed air supply and counteracting forces, which can cause tools to depressurize or pressurize suddenly, risking safety and complicating tool replacement.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with an engaging mechanism that acts as a valve to automatically vent the working fluid pressure to atmosphere when transitioning from a locked to an unlocked position, preventing sudden depressurization or pressurization and allowing safe tool disconnection, featuring a lock ring that rotates to align ducts with the atmosphere, ensuring the tool is deactivated before separation, thus minimizing operator risk and device bulkiness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional connecting devices use separate automatic valves to close ducts when tool is separated, then compressed air supply can be closed, but the device becomes bulky and complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the engaging mechanism and the valve function into a single integrated component. The engaging mechanism, when moved between locked and unlocked positions, simultaneously performs the tool engagement/disengagement and the duct opening/closing actions, eliminating the need for separate automatic valves and reducing device complexity while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it engages and disengages the tool coupling portions, and simultaneously controls the opening and closing of the ducts for compressed air supply. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring coordinated control of mechanical and pneumatic functions
2Productivity
If conventional connecting devices allow quick tool replacement, then productivity improves, but operator safety is compromised due to sudden depressurization or pressurization
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by closing the ducts and venting compressed air pressure before the tool is fully separated from the device. The engaging mechanism is designed so that the valve-closing action occurs during the transition from locked to unlocked position, ensuring the tool is deactivated before complete separation, thus preventing sudden depressurization and operator injury while maintaining quick replacement capability
3Reliability
If conventional connecting devices use complex valve mechanisms to control compressed air, then safety can be improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the valve mechanism with the engaging mechanism into a single integrated component. The engaging mechanism's movement directly controls the valve operation, eliminating the need for separate, bulky valve assemblies and reducing device weight while maintaining safety control functionality
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 ensures safe and rapid tool replacement by automatically deactivating the tool before disconnection, preventing injuries and reducing device size and weight, as the engaging mechanism handles fluid control independently, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying operation.
Implementation Method 1
acts as a valve to automatically vent the working fluid pressure to atmosphere when transitioning from a locked to an unlocked position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for connecting pneumatic tools to a manipulator is described. The device includes a main body fixable to a manipulator and provided with seats for corresponding coupling portions of a tool, at least one duct for feeding or suctioning a working fluid to/from the tool, the duct extends in the main body, and an engaging mechanism to engage to tool. The engaging mechanism is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position in order to respectively prevent or allow the detachment of the tool. Advantageously, the engaging mechanism further acts as a valve for opening and closing the duct and is provided with a vent to the atmosphere through which the pressure of the working fluid in the tool is automatically brought to the atmospheric pressure when the engaging mechanism is in the unlocked position.