Suction Gripper Valve with Integrated Bypass Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction devices face increased load on the vacuum generator due to uncovered suction orifices and lack of gripping function when the suction cup fails or is not in use, requiring expensive machining for precise components to control leaks.

Innovation Solution

A suction gripper device with a pipe having a downstream chamber, an upstream duct, and a valve member that moves within the chamber, featuring a calibrated bypass channel through the valve member, eliminating the need for separate machining of the bypass channel.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a calibrated bypass channel is provided separately in the box wall, then the leak control is precise, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase due to requiring two parallel channels with precise machining

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleak control precisionVSAvoidchannel structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the bypass channel with the valve member by piercing a calibrated hole through the valve member itself, eliminating the need for a separate bypass channel in the box wall. This integration reduces the number of components and machining operations while maintaining precise leak control through the calibrated hole in the valve member.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve member serves multiple functions: it acts as a closure element for the suction orifice, a movable valve component, and simultaneously provides the calibrated bypass channel through its own structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated bypass channel components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a valve member with ball mechanism is used to isolate orifices, then the gripping function is maintained, but the manufacturing cost increases due to precise machining requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegripping function reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass channel is merged into the valve member structure itself, allowing the same component to serve both as the valve closure mechanism and as the bypass channel provider. This reduces the number of separate parts requiring precise machining and lowers overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable gripping function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If multiple suction orifices are provided in the box, then the suction capacity is increased, but the load on the vacuum generator increases due to uncovered orifices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction capacityVSAvoidvacuum generator load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member with integrated bypass channel provides automatic self-regulation of suction flow. When no article is present, the valve closes the orifice and the bypass channel provides controlled leakage to prevent excessive vacuum. When an article is present, the valve opens to provide full suction capacity. This self-service mechanism allows multiple orifices to be provided without proportionally increasing vacuum generator load.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 reduces manufacturing costs and simplifies maintenance by integrating the bypass channel within the valve member, effectively managing suction pressure and load on the vacuum generator while ensuring reliable gripping and reduced operational stress.

Implementation Method 1

the pressure in said leaktight space to drop and thus to lower the pressure in the chamber upstream from the valve member. When the pressure becomes low enough, the ball separates from its seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a suction device (suction cup or box) for transporting articles, the articles for transporting adhering to the suction cup or box under the effect of suction created by sucking in air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a second channel forming a calibrated bypass in parallel with the first channel and bypassing the seat, being of section that is smaller than the section of the clearance that exists in the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure regulation through calibrated opening: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS7938466B2Suction gripper device

Publication Date: 2011.05.10 COVAL

AI summary

A suction gripper device comprising a pipe for connecting a suction source to a suction gripper member, the pipe comprising a first channel formed by a downstream chamber (5) and by an upstream duct (7), a seat (9) being provided between the chamber (5) and the duct (7), a valve member (6) being mounted to move with clearance inside the chamber (5) between a bottom abutment (2a, 22) and the seat (9), and a second channel (10) forming a calibrated bypass in parallel with the first channel and bypassing the seat (9), being of section that is smaller than the section (S) of the clearance that exists in the chamber (5) between its inside surface and the outside surface of the valve member (6) that can move therein, wherein the second channel (10) is formed through the center of the valve member (6).