Self-Sealing Suction Device Using Pressure Sensor and Solenoid Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-sealing suction cup designs require complex mechanical components that are difficult to implement on a small scale, leading to increased fabrication complexity and mechanical failure risks. Additionally, continuous vacuum systems increase power consumption and the risk of inadvertently picking up the wrong object.
Innovation Solution
A self-sealing suction device system that utilizes a suction device, pressure sensors, a vacuum supply, and a solenoid valve controlled by a controller. The system engages the vacuum supply only when sufficient contact is established with the target object, maintaining negative pressure after the vacuum supply is turned off and venting to atmospheric pressure to release the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive mechanical plug design is used for self-sealing suction cup, then self-sealing function is achieved, but device complexity and fabrication complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical plug system with an active electronic control system consisting of a solenoid valve and controller. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical moving parts while achieving the same self-sealing function through electronically controlled vacuum activation, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a solenoid valve to control vacuum activation pneumatically rather than through mechanical means. The solenoid valve regulates airflow to create and maintain vacuum pressure in the suction cup, replacing the need for mechanical plugs and levers while achieving reliable self-sealing through pneumatic control.
2Reliability
If continuous vacuum system is used, then suction force is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic rather than continuous vacuum activation. The controller activates the solenoid valve only when object contact is detected and deactivates it when the object is released or after a set time period. This periodic operation maintains reliable suction force during needed periods while dramatically reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous vacuum systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure sensors to provide feedback about contact conditions to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to intelligently activate or deactivate the vacuum system, ensuring suction force is maintained only when necessary. This feedback-based control prevents unnecessary power consumption while maintaining reliable suction when objects are being manipulated.
3Reliability
If continuous vacuum system is used, then suction is maintained, but risk of picking up wrong object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of contact conditions before activating the vacuum system. Pressure sensors detect and verify proper object contact and seal formation before the controller activates the solenoid valve to create vacuum. This preliminary action ensures that suction is only applied when the correct object is properly positioned, eliminating the harmful effect of picking up wrong objects while maintaining reliable suction when needed.
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 reduces power consumption and mechanical complexity, decreases the risk of picking up the wrong object, and minimizes static electricity generation, while maintaining effective suction for object manipulation.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure sensor is connected to the suction device and configured to detect a seal formed between the suction device and a surface that results in an increase of air pressure in the suction device above a specified threshold
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum supply is connected to the suction device. The vacuum supply turns on when the pressure detects the seal formed between the suction device and surface and turns off when negative pressure within the self-sealing suction device system reaches a specified level
Implementation Method 3
A solenoid valve connected to the suction device and vacuum supply isolates the self-sealing suction device system from atmospheric pressure to allow the suction device to form the seal with the surface and allow the vacuum supply to generate negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A self-sealing suction device system is provided. The system comprises a suction device, a pressure sensor in communication with the suction device, a vacuum supply in communication with the suction device, and a solenoid valve in communication with the suction device and the vacuum supply. A controller is programmed to turn on the vacuum supply responsive to the pressure sensor detecting air pressure within the suction device above a specified threshold. The controller turns off the vacuum supply responsive to the pressure sensor detecting a specified level of negative pressure within the suction device, wherein the solenoid valve maintains the negative pressure within the suction device. The controller maneuvers the solenoid valve to equilibrate the suction device with atmospheric pressure to release the object upon completion of a task.