Sprayer Valve Pneumatic Connection for Robot Arm Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coating product supply devices for sprayers, especially in multiaxial robot environments, face malfunctions due to blocked pneumatic supply pipes hindering piston movement, leading to unreliable valve operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a valve featuring a moving needle and pneumatic driving means, where the axis of separation/approach is inclined within a cone, allowing easy access and compact design for integration into multiaxial robots, with connections for coating and gas pipes optimized for accessibility and reduced interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the valve is installed in a confined environment like the inside of a multiaxial robot arm, then the device can be integrated into automated spraying systems, but the pneumatic supply pipes can be blocked by outside elements, causing valve malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pneumatic supply connection from the traditional lateral approach to a longitudinal approach along the valve axis. This dimensional change allows the pneumatic pipe to be routed along the rod length rather than approaching from the side, eliminating interference from external elements in confined robot arm environments while maintaining reliable pneumatic supply for valve operation
2Device complexity
If multiple valves are installed in a compact arrangement, then the device complexity is reduced and integration is facilitated, but the maintenance and accessibility of valve components become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pneumatic supply connection to the longitudinal end of the valve assembly rather than the lateral side. This allows maintenance personnel to access and disconnect pneumatic lines from the end of the rod, providing clear access even when multiple valves are compactly arranged, thus facilitating ease of repair without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the pneumatic supply connection from the main valve body and positions it at the longitudinal end of the rod. This separation allows the pneumatic line to be independently accessed and maintained without interfering with the valve seating mechanism, improving maintainability while keeping the overall device compact
3Ease of operation
If the pneumatic supply pipe is positioned for easy access, then maintenance is simplified, but the pipe may be more exposed to external blocking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pneumatic supply connection at the longitudinal end of the rod rather than on the lateral side. This spatial repositioning allows the pipe to be accessed from the end direction, providing easy maintenance access while the longitudinal routing protects it from lateral external elements that could cause blocking in confined robot arm environments
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
Ensures reliable operation and easy maintenance of the valve system by allowing single-sided access and compact integration within multiaxial robots, reducing the risk of malfunctions and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
pneumatic driving means for translating the needle along an axis of separation/approach with respect to the seat, while the pneumatic driving means comprise a piston secured in translation with the needle
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supplying at least one sprayer with a liquid coating product comprises a plurality of valves for controlling the flow of the coating product to the sprayer, these valves being aligned along a principal axis of the supply device. Each valve comprises a moving needle, a valve body, pneumatic driver for moving the needle in translation, the driver comprising a piston constrained to move in translation with the needle and slidably mounted in a guide body. The principal axis and the separation/approach axis of a valve coincide at a unique point and together define a principal plane of the valve. The separation/approach axis of each valve is contained within a cone centered on an axis perpendicular to the principal axis and belonging to the principal plane of the valve, the apex of the cone being coincident with the unique point.