Segmented Suction Pad Ribs for Deforming Bag Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suction devices struggle to maintain effective suction when a bag-shaped workpiece deforms due to fluid movement, leading to potential leakage of negative pressure fluid and reduced suction power.
Innovation Solution
The suction member features radially extending first and second rib portions on its outer circumference, forming non-linear supply paths that maintain negative pressure fluid inside, preventing leakage and ensuring stable suction even as the workpiece deforms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction member uses a conventional skirt member with rib portions extending radially, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the negative pressure fluid leaks from the outer circumferential sides of opened rib portions when the workpiece deforms, causing suction defects
Solution Approach 1:
The rib portions are divided into multiple segments (first rib portions and second rib portions) that can move relative to each other. This segmentation allows the rib structure to adapt to workpiece deformation while maintaining the seal, preventing negative pressure fluid leakage while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The rib portions are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their positions in response to workpiece deformation. This dynamic capability enables the suction member to maintain reliable suction throughout the deformation process without requiring a complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the suction member maintains a fixed rigid structure, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but it cannot follow the deformation of the bag-shaped workpiece, leading to defective suction
Solution Approach 1:
The suction member incorporates movable rib portions that can dynamically adjust to match the deforming workpiece shape. This dynamic design provides adaptability to workpiece deformation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the use of elastic materials and straightforward geometric forms.
Solution Approach 2:
The skirt member is constructed from elastic material that can flex and deform to follow the workpiece contour. This flexible shell approach enables the suction member to adapt to bag-shaped workpiece deformation without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the negative pressure fluid flows linearly toward the outer circumferential side between convex surface portions, then the flow path is simple, but the fluid leaks to the exterior from opened rib portions, decreasing suction power
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented by dividing the rib structure into multiple portions with gaps between them. This segmentation creates a controlled flow pattern where the negative pressure fluid can move through defined paths while being contained by the elastic skirt material, preventing leakage and maintaining suction power without requiring complex flow control mechanisms.
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 design allows the suction member to follow the workpiece's shape changes, maintaining a stable suction force and preventing fluid leakage, thus ensuring reliable attraction and transportation of deformed workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
the skirt member is elastically deformed in close contact with the surface of the workpiece
Implementation Method 2
supplying the negative pressure fluid to the internal space through the suction path
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A suction device (10) includes an adapter (12) having a supply passage (28) to which a negative pressure fluid is supplied, a bellows (14) connected to a lower end of the adapter (12), and a pad member (16) formed at the distal end of the bellows (14). The pad member (16) has plural first and second ribs (46, 48) on a suction surface that attracts a workpiece (W) under suction. The first ribs (46) are disposed on an outer circumferential side of an attachment (36) provided in the center of the pad member (16) and extend toward the outer circumferential side. The second ribs (48) are provided on an outer circumferential side of the first ribs (46), and are disposed in a circumferentially offset manner with respect to the first ribs (46). Additionally, between the respective first ribs (46) which are disposed alongside one another in the circumferential direction of a skirt (38), supply paths (52) are formed to which the negative pressure fluid is supplied from the attachment (36).