Suction Gripper Layout With Stoppers to Prevent Workpiece Surface Damage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional material handling systems often cause scratches, indentations, and other surface flaws when gripping workpieces, especially heavy or bulky ones, and are limited in handling specific types of workpieces such as wet, soft, or fragile items.
Innovation Solution
A material handling system featuring a frame with suction units distributed in rotational symmetry about a first axis, providing a suction force parallel to the axis, and at least one stopper extending beyond the suction units to provide abutment ends, allowing for independent control of each suction unit and precise handling of workpieces without direct contact with the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional grippers apply gripping force to carry heavy workpieces, then the workpiece can be transported, but scratches and surface flaws are created on the workpiece
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical gripping systems with a suction-based system. Multiple suction units generate negative pressure fields that hold the workpiece without physical contact or clamping forces, thereby transporting heavy workpieces without creating scratches or surface flaws
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs suction units that utilize pneumatic principles to generate holding forces. By creating negative pressure zones through suction, the system can securely transport workpieces of various weights without direct mechanical contact that would cause surface damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional grippers are designed for specific workpiece types, then they can handle those workpieces effectively, but they cannot handle wet, soft, or fragile workpieces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal handling system with multiple independently controllable suction units that can adapt to various workpiece types including wet, soft, and fragile items. The system achieves multi-functionality by adjusting suction distribution and utilizing stoppers for different handling scenarios, making it reliable across diverse workpiece categories
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the suction system into multiple independently controllable suction units. Each unit can be activated or deactivated individually, allowing the system to adapt its suction pattern to match the specific geometry and material properties of different workpieces, thereby handling wet, soft, or fragile items reliably
3Measurement precision
If suction units are controlled independently, then precise control of each suction unit is achieved, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of multiple suction units where each unit can be independently activated or deactivated based on real-time requirements. The controller dynamically adjusts suction distribution to match workpiece geometry and handling needs, achieving precise control while managing system complexity through adaptive 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
The system effectively handles a variety of workpieces without causing surface damage, including heavy, bulky, wet, soft, and fragile items, by maintaining a controlled spacing and applying forces independently to each suction unit, ensuring minimal contact and reduced risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of suction units being operable to provide a suction force in a suction direction parallel to the first axis
Data Source
AI summary
A material handling system includes: a frame defining a first axis; a plurality of suction units coupled to the frame and distributed in rotational symmetry about the first axis; and at least one stopper. The plurality of suction units collectively defines a distal plane normal to the first axis, with each of the plurality of suction units being operable to provide a suction force in a suction direction parallel to the first axis. The at least one stopper is fixedly coupled to the frame and extends beyond the distal plane to provide one or more abutment ends disposed stationary relative to the frame. The one or more abutment ends define a transverse offset axis extending through all of the one or more abutment ends. The transverse offset axis is a straight line spaced apart from the first axis and parallel to the distal plane.