Suction Pad Deformation Sensing for Accurate Wear Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction apparatuses lack versatility and accuracy in detecting suction pad deterioration, with dedicated pads required and pressure changes not accurately reflecting wear.
Innovation Solution
A deterioration determination apparatus that measures deformation of the suction portion using proximity sensors and calculates the spring constant to determine if the suction portion has deteriorated, allowing for easy assessment of its condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated suction pad is manufactured for each application, then the detection accuracy of pad deterioration is improved, but the versatility of the suction apparatus is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad is designed with a through-hole structure that allows it to function both as a suction element and as a support for mounting various sensors (proximity sensors, pressure sensors, conductive sensors). This universal design enables the same pad structure to be used across different applications while accommodating different detection methods, thereby maintaining versatility while achieving accurate deterioration detection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pressure sensor is used to detect suction pad deterioration, then the versatility of the suction apparatus is improved, but the measurement precision of pad wear is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
A proximity sensor is introduced as an intermediary measurement device that detects the position of the suction pad surface indirectly. The proximity sensor measures the distance to the suction pad surface, and deterioration is inferred from changes in this distance. This intermediary approach allows the use of a universal sensor type while achieving precise deterioration measurement, as the proximity sensor can accurately detect surface position changes without requiring direct contact or complex pressure measurements.
3Measurement precision
If pressure sensor accurately detects pressure changes, then the measurement precision of suction completion is improved, but the ability to detect degree of wear is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pad is designed with a through-hole structure that allows preliminary mounting of various sensors before the actual suction operation. This preliminary configuration enables the system to switch between different detection methods (proximity sensors for wear detection, pressure sensors for suction completion detection) depending on the specific measurement need, thereby preserving both pressure detection accuracy and wear information without loss.
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 easy determination of suction portion deterioration and predicts the need for replacement, preventing unexpected stops and maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a suction portion configured to hold an object by suction with negative pressure and elastically deforms by the negative pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A deterioration determination apparatus according to one or more embodiments may include: an information obtainment unit configured to obtain information on deformation of a suction portion that is configured to hold an object by suction with negative pressure and elastically deforms by the negative pressure; and a deterioration determination unit configured to determine whether or not the suction portion has deteriorated, depending on the deformation of the suction portion occurring when the suction portion holds the object by suction.