Suction Pad with Internal Stoppers for Sponge Compression Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Suction pads made of materials with semi-open and semi-closed cell structures experience premature degradation due to collapsed closed cells, and struggle to maintain sufficient vacuum pressure when handling workpieces with high air permeability, leading to unstable posture and potential dropping.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating stoppers within the cavities of the sponge member to prevent maximum compression, thereby extending the life of the sponge member and stabilizing the workpiece by suppressing swing and inclination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the contact member is made of a material having only closed cells, then airtightness is improved, but flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairtightnessVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The contact member uses a composite material containing both open cells and closed cells. The open cells provide flexibility to adapt to workpiece surface irregularities, while the closed cells provide airtightness for vacuum suction. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between flexibility and airtightness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Adaptability or versatility

If the contact member is made of a material having only open cells, then flexibility is improved, but airtightness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidairtightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Productivity

If the sponge member is repeatedly compressed to maximum compression, then workpiece sucking and releasing operations are performed, but the closed cells collapse and the sponge member degrades

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation frequencyVSAvoidsponge member life

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A stopper is installed inside each cavity of the sponge member to prevent excessive compression before the closed cells collapse. The stopper acts as a protective element that limits the compression depth, cushioning against the harmful effect of over-compression and extending the sponge member's service life while maintaining operational productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a workpiece having high air permeability is sucked, then the workpiece can be handled, but the vacuum pressure cannot be sufficiently increased and the workpiece becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkpiece handling capabilityVSAvoidworkpiece stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The high proportion of closed cells (70-90%) in the composite material provides superior airtightness, enabling the contact member to maintain sufficient vacuum pressure even when handling workpieces with high air permeability. This ensures both the ability to handle diverse workpieces and the stability required to prevent dropping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 stoppers enhance the longevity of the sponge member by preventing excessive compression, and ensure stable workpiece handling by maintaining adequate vacuum pressure and preventing workpiece instability.

Implementation Method 1

a suction pad for sucking a workpiece (W) using vacuum pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum pressure: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

Since the elastic member is brought into contact with the workpiece, adhesion to the surface of the workpiece is enhanced

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

When the contact member is compressed, flexibility is exhibited until the volume of the open cells is reduced and the air permeability is lost

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

a material in which open cells and closed cells are mixed (a material having a semi-open and semi-closed cell structure)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentEP4385683B1Suction pad

Publication Date: 2025.06.18 SMC CORP

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AI summary

A suction pad (10) includes a body (12) and a sponge member (20). The sponge member made of a material having a semi-open and semi-closed cell structure includes a plurality of cavities (22) opening toward a workpiece, a tubular stopper (26) attached to the body is disposed in each of the cavities of the sponge member, and a suction passage (28) formed in each stopper communicates with a negative pressure chamber (16) formed in the body. The height of the stopper is set to a dimension that prevents the sponge member from being compressed to a maximum compression amount and allows the sponge member to be compressed until the sponge member exhibits airtightness.