Separable Pad-Type Adsorption Cup Vacuum Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cups in vacuum transfer systems face issues with vacuum leakage due to gaps between the connector and pad, damage during assembly, and the need for entire replacement when the pad is damaged, along with inconvenient assembly and weak coupling between components.
Innovation Solution
A pad-separable suction cup design featuring a hollow body, a skirt-shaped pad, and a ring-shaped clamp that compresses the body and pad in opposite directions to secure them, allowing easy assembly and disassembly and preventing vacuum leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pad is integrally joined to the connector using adhesive or insert molding, then the structure is simple and strong, but the entire suction cup must be replaced when the pad is damaged and gaps may form at the junction over time
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is divided into separable components: the connector and the pad are joined through a bellows structure that allows the pad to be detached and replaced independently while maintaining vacuum seal integrity during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure provides dynamic flexibility, allowing the pad to be compressed during operation to maintain seal while enabling easy detachment when needed, transitioning between operational and maintenance states
2Reliability
If a pressure ring is used to force the connector and pad into close contact, then vacuum leakage is prevented, but the pad may be damaged during assembly and the pressure ring cannot be separated from the pad
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is separated from the clamping function: the bellows structure provides sealing through its flexible folds while the snap-fit mechanism provides clamping, allowing each to perform its function without compromising the other
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows acts as an intermediary element between the connector and pad, providing both sealing and mechanical coupling functions while allowing easy assembly through snap-fit engagement without damaging the pad
3Ease of repair
If the pad and connector are separably assembled via annular groove and projection, then the pad can be separated easily, but assembly is inconvenient and the coupling is weak leading to vacuum leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows structure provides dynamic sealing capability, maintaining vacuum seal during operation while allowing easy detachment when needed, transitioning between operational and maintenance states
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows structure uses flexible material to create a dynamic seal that adapts to operational movements while maintaining vacuum integrity, preventing leakage during use
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 enhances the convenience of assembly and disassembly, improves stability, and effectively prevents vacuum leakage by securely coupling the body and pad with a removable clamp, ensuring the pad can be easily separated and reattached without damaging the components.
Implementation Method 1
a clamp comprising a ring-shaped member that is removably provided on a portion of the protrusion, a concave 'C'-shaped outer surface thereof compressing the protrusion and the second inclined portion in opposite directions upwards and downwards while surrounding them, thus coupling the body with the pad
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum transfer system means a system that actuates a vacuum pump with compressed air, discharges internal air from a suction cup coming into contact with a surface of an article, holds the article using negative pressure that is thus obtained
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a suction cup used in a vacuum system. The suction cup includes a hollow body, a skirt-shaped pad disposed under the body, and a ring-shaped clamp removably provided in the suction cup to couple the body with the pad. A concave 'C'-shaped outer surface of the clamp compresses a contact portion of the body with the pad in opposite directions upwards and downwards while surrounding the contact portion, thus coupling the body with the pad.