Robotic Vacuum Hose Handling System for Industrial Collection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual handling of vacuum hoses in industrial vacuums is physically demanding, inefficient, and poses safety and regulatory concerns due to the need for strong suction control and proximity to collection areas.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum hose handling system with a base, support arm, and collection tube that allows for controlled movement relative to a collection vessel, reducing the need for manual handling by attaching to the vacuum hose and enabling remote operation of the collection tube for efficient and safe material collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual handling of vacuum hoses is used, then the operator can directly control the collection process, but significant physical strength is required and safety risks increase due to proximity to hazardous materials

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual control of collection processVSAvoidsafety risks from proximity to hazardous materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A robotic arm system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the vacuum hose, allowing remote manipulation of the collection tube. The operator controls the robotic arm from a safe distance, eliminating direct exposure to hazardous materials while maintaining control over the collection process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated robotic manipulation system. The robotic arm with multiple degrees of freedom substitutes human physical effort and proximity, using automated control mechanisms to position and maneuver the vacuum hose collection tube.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If manual handling of vacuum hoses is used, then the operator can adjust hose position, but the collection efficiency decreases due to inability to maintain proper position and angle

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of hose positionVSAvoidcollection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm system provides dynamic, multi-axis movement capabilities that allow precise positioning and angle adjustment of the collection tube. The system can continuously adapt its position and orientation to optimize collection efficiency, surpassing manual adjustment capabilities through automated dynamic control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If manual handling of vacuum hoses is used, then simple equipment is required, but time and energy expenditure increase due to physical effort needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of equipmentVSAvoidenergy expenditure by operator

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces human physical effort with an automated robotic system powered by electric or hydraulic actuators. While the equipment complexity increases, the energy source is transferred from human biological energy to machine energy, eliminating operator fatigue and sustained physical exertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If automated hose handling system is implemented, then safety and collection efficiency improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from hazardous materialsVSAvoidcomplexity of handling system

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The robotic arm system is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the collection tube, adjusting angles, maintaining suction contact with materials, and retracting when needed. This multi-functionality justifies the increased complexity by consolidating multiple manual operations into a single automated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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 system enhances efficiency and safety by minimizing manual handling of vacuum hoses, reducing the time and energy required for collection and eliminating safety risks associated with manual operation, while allowing for precise control over the collection process.

Implementation Method 1

Vacuum trucks and other industrial vacuums are designed to pneumatically collect solids, liquids, sludge or slurry through vacuum hoses and into a tank or canister

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS9139969B2Vacuum hose handling systems and apparatuses

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 HARTLEY DWIGHT

AI summary

Vacuum hose handling apparatuses and systems are disclosed herein. One exemplary implementation of the present disclosure includes a vacuum handling apparatus comprising a base, a support arm operatively coupled to the base, a connection hose configured to connect to an open end of an industrial vacuum hose, and a collection tube attached to the support arm and in fluid communication with the connection hose. In addition, the vacuum hose handling apparatus may be configured to allow movement of the collection tube relative to a corresponding collection vessel. Additional vacuum hose handling apparatuses and systems are also disclosed herein.