Suction Device for Guide Rail Vacuum Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The vacuum-based fixing of guide rail elements on a work surface is often unreliable, inflexible, and costly due to limited suction effect and complex structures in existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A suction device with a suction shoe that includes a connecting piece for a vacuum source and a hood for flow communication, allowing for simple attachment to a conventional guide rail with a recess, and optional features like separate flow channels, sealing projections, and locking elements for enhanced suction and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction box is formed at one point on the underside of the guide rail, then the guide rail can be fixed to the workpiece by vacuum, but the holding force is too low especially in the case of longer guide rails and the possible uses are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device is divided into multiple independent suction shoes (front suction shoe and rear suction shoe) that can be separately attached to different positions on the guide rail. Each suction shoe has its own suction opening that can independently engage with the recesses in the guide rail, allowing the system to adapt to various guide rail lengths and configurations while maintaining reliable holding force through distributed suction points
Solution Approach 2:
The suction openings in the guide rail are positioned not only at the ends but also extend along the longitudinal direction, creating a three-dimensional distribution of suction points. This allows the suction shoes to engage with the guide rail at multiple positions simultaneously, increasing both the holding force and the adaptability to different workpiece configurations
2Reliability
If screw clamps are used to clamp the guide rail to the workpiece, then the guide rail is securely fixed, but the attachment and detachment is often found to be a nuisance
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical screw clamp system is replaced with a vacuum-based fixation system. The suction shoes create a vacuum seal with the guide rail recesses, and the vacuum force holds the guide rail in place without requiring mechanical fasteners. This allows for quick attachment and detachment by simply connecting or disconnecting the vacuum source, eliminating the need for manual screw tightening and loosening
Solution Approach 2:
A vacuum source is used to create negative pressure within the suction shoes, which generates a holding force that secures the guide rail to the workpiece. The pneumatic system allows for rapid engagement and disengagement by controlling the vacuum pressure, providing both reliable fixation and ease of operation without mechanical fastening elements
3Reliability
If a suction shoe is designed to seal the recess in the direction of the end face of the guide rail element, then the suction effect is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suction shoe incorporates a flexible sealing lip or membrane that can deform to conform to the recess geometry in the guide rail. This flexible sealing element creates an effective seal without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms, maintaining a simple overall device structure while achieving reliable suction effect through the flexible adaptation to the recess shape
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
This solution provides a reliable, flexible, and cost-effective vacuum fixation of guide rail elements, enabling high suction force and adaptability for various workpiece configurations without requiring complex guide rail structures or additional fastening elements.
Implementation Method 1
fixing a guide rail element for electrical processing machines, which has a downwardly open recess formed on the underside with an open end located on a front side of the guide rail element, on a work surface, in particular a workpiece, by means of negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
The hood has a contact section that can be brought into contact with the guide rail element and a sealing section that projects relative to the contact section in such a way that, on the one hand, there is a flow connection from the connecting piece to the recess via the hood
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The mechanism has a connecting piece (17) for connecting the mechanism to a low pressure source. A cover (21) is provided in flow connection with the connecting piece, where the cover comprises a retaining projection (41). The cover is attached to a guide rail element (11) such that flow connection of the connecting piece to a downwardly open recess (23) formed at a lower side of the guide rail element is made over the cover. The recess is sealed by a suction shoe (15B) in direction of the guide rail element. A suction nozzle (25) is provided in flow connection with the connecting piece.