Suction Nozzle Head with Rotating Support for Compact Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for taking out workpieces are limited in their ability to efficiently handle multiple types of components due to the need for multiple suction nozzles and increased size and weight, which complicates transportation and increases interference with surroundings.
Innovation Solution
A suction apparatus with a nozzle head containing multiple suction nozzles, a support unit for movable suction nozzles, and a drive unit that allows selective arrangement and movement of nozzles for different workpieces, utilizing a revolver mechanism for nozzle rotation and a linear motion mechanism for vertical movement, enabling the use of a single drive unit and reducing the need for multiple apparatuses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suction nozzles are provided to handle different workpiece types, then the apparatus can handle various workpieces, but the size and weight of the apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple suction nozzles of different types into a single integrated nozzle head assembly. Instead of using separate apparatuses for different workpiece types, all suction nozzles are merged into one head that can be selectively positioned, reducing the overall number of apparatuses and their cumulative weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle head is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions by accommodating different types of suction nozzles. The support unit allows any of the multiple suction nozzles to be brought to the working position, making the apparatus versatile for handling various workpiece types without requiring multiple dedicated apparatuses.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple suction nozzles are provided to handle different workpiece types, then the apparatus can handle various workpieces, but the apparatus size increases and interference with surroundings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a horizontal arrangement of multiple separate apparatuses to a vertical arrangement within the nozzle head. The support unit enables suction nozzles to be stacked or arranged in a compact configuration, with selective positioning bringing the required nozzle to the working position. This dimensional reorganization reduces the horizontal footprint and overall apparatus size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple suction nozzles are nested within a single nozzle head structure. The support unit allows these nozzles to be compactly arranged and selectively positioned, creating a nested configuration where multiple functional elements occupy a reduced spatial envelope compared to separate apparatuses.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate apparatuses are used to handle different workpiece types, then each workpiece type can be handled optimally, but the complexity of transportation and installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple suction nozzle functions into a single integrated apparatus with a common nozzle head, support unit, and drive mechanism. This consolidation reduces the number of separate apparatuses that need to be transported, installed, and maintained, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support unit introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the nozzle head, allowing it to adapt its configuration based on the workpiece type. This dynamic capability replaces what would otherwise require multiple static apparatuses, simplifying transportation and installation while maintaining the ability to handle various workpieces optimally.
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 efficient handling and transportation of various workpieces with a single apparatus, reducing size and weight, and minimizing interference, while allowing for easy switching between nozzle types using a simple rotational mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a suction unit configured to suction a workpiece
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for taking out a workpiece includes: a nozzle head that has a plurality of suction nozzles, each of which has a suction unit configured to suction a workpiece, a frame that is attached to a transport apparatus, and a support unit that supports the plurality of suction nozzles and is supported by the frame in a movable manner, wherein the support unit is caused to move relative to the frame, thereby selectively arranging one of the plurality of suction nozzles at a predetermined use position; and a drive unit that causes one suction nozzle arranged at the predetermined use position to move relative to the frame and causes the one suction nozzle to move to a predetermined suction position at which the workpiece is suctioned by the suction unit.