Suction-Cup Pick-Up Assembly Shutter Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction-cup pick-up assemblies for handling panels are complex, expensive, and unreliable when dealing with small-sized panels due to the complexity and limited space for feeler installation, which affects detection accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A suction-cup pick-up assembly with a detection device using an annular magnet and magnetic sensors, ultrasound, optical, inductive, or capacitive sensors to detect the axial position of the shutter, replacing traditional feelers and simplifying the design for cost-effectiveness and improved reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional feelers are used to detect the axial position of shutters, then detection function is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the feeler component from the detection system and extracts only the essential detection function, replacing it with a magnetic sensor that detects the axial position of the shutter through magnetic field interaction rather than mechanical contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical feeler system with a magnetic detection system using annular magnets and magnetic sensors, eliminating mechanical contact and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining detection accuracy
2Measurement precision
If feelers are installed between suction-cup pick-up devices, then detection capability is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the shutter and sensor, allowing detection without physical contact or installation in tight spaces, thereby simplifying manufacturing and installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the need for feeler installation between devices and extracts the detection function to a separate magnetic sensor system that can be installed more easily
3Measurement precision
If feelers are used for detection, then shutter position is detected, but reliability decreases for small-sized panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical feeler contact with magnetic field-based detection, eliminating the reliability issues associated with mechanical contact and small panel interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensor system automatically detects shutter position without requiring physical contact or intervention, improving reliability by eliminating mechanical wear and contact issues
4Measurement precision
If multiple independent detection devices are used, then detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single integrated magnetic sensor system that can detect the axial position of shutters across multiple suction-cup pick-up devices simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity
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 solution results in a simpler, cost-effective, and reliable suction-cup pick-up assembly capable of accurately detecting panel presence and position, ensuring proper operation even with small-sized panels, enhancing manufacturing efficiency and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The detection device comprises an annular magnet, which is mounted on the shutter in a known manner and cooperates with a magnetic sensor, in particular a Hall sensor or a reed switch
Data Source
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AI summary
A suction-cup pick-up assembly (4) has a tubular stem (6), which is connected to a pneumatic suction device and is engaged in a tubular support body (5) in a sliding manner, a suction cup (9), which is fixed to a free end of the tubular stem (6) and can be connected to the pneumatic suction device through a shutter (11), which is engaged in the tubular stem (6) in a sliding manner, and a detection device (14) to detect the axial position of the shutter (11) along the tubular support body (5); the detection device (14) having a reference element (15) mounted on the shutter (11) and at least one detector element (16, 17, 18) mounted on the tubular support body (5) in order to interact with the reference element (15) and detect the axial position of the shutter (11).