Multi-Axis Rotating Suction Pad for Tilted Surface Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing holding devices struggle to effectively hold and transport goods in various states, particularly when the goods are randomly stacked or have tilted surfaces, due to limitations in suction pad alignment and stability.
Innovation Solution
A holding device with a suction pad, first link, second link, and base that allows the suction pad to freely rotate around multiple axes, combined with a tube member for communication and elastic deformation, enables the suction pad to tilt and conform to tilted surfaces, and a braking mechanism for stability, controlled by an air pressure adjusting device and transporting controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the suction pad is fixed in a rigid position, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to tilted surfaces or randomly stacked goods
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad is transformed from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic multi-axis rotating structure. It can freely rotate around the first rotation axis (vertical axis through suction pad center), second rotation axis (horizontal axis perpendicular to first axis), and third rotation axis (axis parallel to first axis but offset). This dynamic capability allows the suction pad to adapt to tilted surfaces and various goods orientations while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of multiple rotational degrees of freedom rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suction pad can rotate freely around multiple axes, then it can hold goods in various states, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad system implements self-service control through passive adaptive rotation. The multi-axis rotation capability allows the suction pad to automatically align with tilted surfaces and adjust to goods orientation without requiring complex active control mechanisms. The suction force itself and gravitational forces work together to enable the suction pad to find its equilibrium position on tilted surfaces, reducing the need for sophisticated control systems while maintaining high adaptability.
3Reliability
If the suction pad tilts to match the surface, then holding stability improves, but the risk of detachment during transport increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic multi-axis rotation to maintain optimal suction contact. The suction pad can rotate around three different axes to continuously adapt to surface tilts during transport, ensuring the suction surface remains parallel to the goods surface. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains holding stability even when goods orientation changes during transport, preventing detachment by continuously optimizing the suction contact angle.
4Reliability
If a braking mechanism is added to prevent rotation, then transport stability improves, but the ability to adapt to tilted surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking mechanism operates periodically or selectively rather than continuously. During the adaptation phase, the suction pad rotates freely around multiple axes to align with tilted surfaces. Once alignment is achieved and stable holding is established, the braking mechanism is activated to prevent unwanted rotation during transport. This periodic application of braking allows the system to enjoy both adaptability during alignment and stability during transport.
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 device can securely hold and transport goods in various states by tilting the suction pad to match the surface of the goods, ensuring stability and efficient movement, even with heavy objects, through precise control of the air pressure and robotic arm.
Implementation Method 1
The tube member (4) can be bent and allows communication between the suction pad (2) and the base (30)
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments, a holding device includes a suction pad, a first link, a second link, a base, and a tube member. The first link supports the suction pad so that the suction pad can rotate around a first rotation axis. The second link supports the first link so that the first link can rotate around a second rotation axis. The base supports the second link so that the second link can rotate around a third rotation axis. The tube member communicates the suction pad with the base and can be bent. The second rotation axis and the third rotation axis are not parallel to each other.