Robotic Arm Vacuum Sucker With Mechanical Suction Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum suckers on robotic arms require external power sources and signal sources, leading to complex circuit arrangements and installation challenges.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum sucker design where the robotic arm itself serves as the power source, using an adapter plate to control the suction process without external power or signal sources, utilizing a thrust rod and elastic element to manage air pressure within a flexible suction cup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external power sources and signal sources are connected to the vacuum sucker, then the vacuum sucker can operate to suck and release objects, but the circuit arrangement becomes complicated and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power source function into the robotic arm itself. The robotic arm's drive mechanism directly drives the thrust rod of the vacuum sucker through mechanical coupling, eliminating the need for separate external power sources and signal sources. This integration simplifies the overall system structure and circuit arrangement while maintaining reliable vacuum sucker operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic arm is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only controls the position of the vacuum sucker but also provides the power source to drive the thrust rod for suction and release operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components, thereby simplifying the system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external power sources are connected to the vacuum sucker, then the vacuum sucker can change air pressure in the suction cup, but the installation process becomes complex requiring multiple connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power transmission path by directly coupling the robotic arm's drive mechanism to the thrust rod, removing the need for intermediate power sources and complex connection systems. This direct mechanical coupling simplifies the installation process while maintaining effective air pressure control in the suction cup.
3Ease of operation
If independent signal sources are provided to control the vacuum sucker, then the vacuum sucker can be controlled to operate, but the robotic arm structure becomes too complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is merged into the positional control already performed by the robotic arm. The same mechanical coupling that positions the vacuum sucker also controls its suction and release operations through the thrust rod, eliminating the need for independent signal sources and simplifying the robotic arm structure.
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
Simplifies the installation and operation of the vacuum sucker on robotic arms by eliminating the need for external power and signal sources, allowing direct control through the robotic arm, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic element provides an elastic force to the thrust rod and makes the head portion tend to thrust the first end and the thrust rod tends to a first position
Implementation Method 2
When the flexible suction cup thrusts the suction surface of the object and the air chamber is in a low vacuum state, the object is sucked on the flexible suction cup
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum sucker is installed on a robotic arm to suck an object. The robotic arm includes a body and a tip axis. The tip axis is disposed with an adapter plate. The vacuum sucker includes a housing, an actuator, and a flexible suction cup. The actuator passes through the housing and includes a main part, a thrust rod, and an elastic element. The main part has a first end and a hollow slot. The flexible suction cup is sleeved on the first end and is formed with an air chamber. When the thrust rod is located at the first position, the air chamber and the hollow slot are not intercommunicated with each other. When the thrust rod is driven by the adapter plate to move to a second position, the air chamber and the hollow slot are intercommunicated with each other.