Suction Module Vacuum Passage Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction holders used in the manufacture of wire harnesses lack sufficient stability and long-term adhesion to a ground surface, especially when subjected to tilting forces during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A suction module with a main body featuring a suction cup and a vacuum passage that connects a first vacuum port to the suction cup and additional vacuum ports on the outer surface, allowing for increased stability and adhesion through a cluster configuration and a check valve for sustained vacuum application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single suction holder is used to fix wire harness components, then the device complexity is low, but the stability and adhesion durability are insufficient under tilting forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion durabilityVSAvoidsuction module configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction module is divided into a main body containing a suction cup and additional suction elements, each capable of independent adhesion. This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliability under tilting forces while keeping each individual component relatively simple in structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple suction elements (main suction cup and additional suction elements) are combined into a single integrated suction module. This merging increases the overall adhesion durability and stability without requiring multiple separate devices, thus managing device complexity effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If multiple suction modules are connected to form a cluster, then the adhesion force and surface coverage are increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction forceVSAvoidcluster configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple suction modules are merged into a cluster configuration where they work together as a unified system. The vacuum passage connects all suction elements, allowing them to function collectively with increased suction force and surface coverage while being controlled by a single vacuum source, thus managing the complexity of the cluster configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction module design incorporates universal features such as standard vacuum ports and modular connectors that allow the same basic unit to be used individually or combined in various cluster configurations. This multi-functionality enables the system to scale from single-module to multi-module applications without requiring different device types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If vacuum is applied continuously to maintain adhesion, then the adhesion durability is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion timeVSAvoidvacuum source energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The suction module is designed to establish adhesion quickly when vacuum is applied, creating a strong initial bond. The modular design with multiple suction elements allows the system to achieve sufficient adhesion faster, potentially allowing for intermittent vacuum application rather than continuous operation, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining adhesion duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 suction module achieves enhanced stability and prolonged adhesion to a ground surface, even under tilting forces, by distributing vacuum pressure across multiple suction cups and ports, thereby ensuring secure mounting of wire harness components.

Implementation Method 1

a suction cup (14), wherein the main body (12) has a vacuum passage (16) that establishes a communication between a first vacuum port (18) and the suction cup (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The first vacuum port (18) is provided with a check valve (22). This allows to apply vacuum to the suction cup (14) that is mounted to the suction module (10) also after the vacuum source has been removed from the first vacuum port (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentEP4464470B1Suction module
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES AG
  • EP4464470B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4464470B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4464470B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A suction module (10) comprises a main body (12) with a suction cup (14) wherein the main body (12) has a vacuum passage (16) that establishes a communication between a first vacuum port (18), a suction cup (14) and a second vacuum port (19).