Suction Gripper Automation for Aerosol Filter Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices cannot automatically handle individual filters for aerosol sampling and analysis without causing contamination, as they require manual insertion and removal from filter cassettes, which complicates the process and prevents automatization.
Innovation Solution
A suction gripper with a customizable suction head and electromagnet for separating filters, paired with a filter chamber that maintains a controlled environment, allowing for the automatic manipulation and storage of filters without the need for special cassettes, using a diverter valve to create negative and overpressure for secure handling and release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual handling of filters from cassettes is used, then filter manipulation is possible, but automation is prevented and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated suction gripper system that uses vacuum pressure to grasp and manipulate filters. The suction head with controllable vacuum pressure automatically picks up filters from storage and transports them to analysis chambers, eliminating the need for manual cassette-based handling and enabling full automation of the filter manipulation process.
2Reliability
If filter cassettes or holders are used, then filter storage is possible, but filter contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the filter from the cassette/holder structure entirely, storing filters individually in a controlled environment and using a suction gripper to pick them up directly for analysis. This eliminates the intermediate cassette component that causes contamination, while maintaining organized storage and simple retrieval through the vacuum-based gripping system.
3Productivity
If individual filters are manually handled, then filter manipulation is possible, but analysis time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous automated filter manipulation where the suction gripper systematically retrieves filters from storage and transports them to analysis chambers without interruption or manual intervention. This continuous automated process eliminates the time losses associated with manual handling operations and maximizes analysis throughput by keeping the system in constant productive operation.
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
Enables the automatic handling of filters, reducing contamination risks and allowing for immediate analysis after sampling, bridging offline and online aerosol measurement techniques by eliminating the need for filter cassettes and enabling faster analysis with reduced operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a suction head with: an arm equipped with air connector for connection with a vacuum pump, a body having suction holes
Implementation Method 2
a diverter valve which changes between negative pressure and overpressure at suction holes-filter junction for attachment or release of the filter
Implementation Method 3
means for separating one filter from another, wherein the separating means preferably designed as an electromagnet to separate one filter from others, when they are separated with metal rings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the field of vacuum gripping heads. The present invention relates to a suction gripper for automatic manipulation of filters, a chamber for filters and a device for analysis of air comprising the said gripper and chamber. The essence of the invention is that the gripper comprises: - a suction head with: o an arm equipped with air connector for connection with a vacuum pump, o a body having suction holes and means for separating one filter from another, the means preferably designed as an electromagnet to separate one filter from others, when they are separated with metal rings; - a diverter valve which changes between negative pressure and overpressure at suction holes-filter junction; - a vacuum pump, and - tubing for connecting the suction pump with the suction head via the diverter valve.