Suction Pad Deformation Sensing for Wear and Lifetime Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction apparatuses lack versatility and accuracy in determining suction portion deterioration, making it difficult to assess wear and predict maintenance needs.

Innovation Solution

A deterioration determination apparatus that measures deformations of the suction portion when holding objects of varying masses and calculates the spring constant to determine if the suction portion has deteriorated, using sensors to obtain deformation information and predict the lifetime of the suction portion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated pad with conductive wire is used to detect breakage, then breakage detection is achieved, but the suction member loses versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreakage detectionVSAvoidsuction member versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/conductive wire-based detection system with a non-contact optical measurement system. A light source irradiates the suction pad, and a light receiver detects reflected light to measure deformation, eliminating the need for embedded conductive wires or dedicated pads while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect suction pad deformation. The light source and light receiver act as mediators that enable non-contact measurement of the suction pad's deformation state, allowing universal application across different suction pad types without modifying the pads themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If pressure sensor is used to detect suction pressure, then suction pressure detection is achieved, but accurate wear detection is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction pressure detectionVSAvoidwear detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the pressure sensor-based detection system with an optical deformation measurement system. By measuring the actual deformation of the suction pad material itself through light reflection, the system directly detects wear-induced changes in pad properties rather than inferring wear from pressure data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent shifts the measurement parameter from suction pressure to suction pad deformation. This parameter change enables direct observation of wear effects, as the deformation characteristics of the suction pad material change predictably with wear, providing more accurate wear detection than pressure measurements alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If deformation measurement is performed with single object mass, then simplification is achieved, but accurate deterioration determination is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement procedure complexityVSAvoiddeterioration determination accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic measurement cycles where the suction pad sequentially holds multiple objects of different masses and deformation is measured at each step. This periodic multi-mass measurement approach builds a comprehensive deformation profile that enables accurate deterioration determination while the automated cycling keeps the procedure manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses feedback from multiple measurement points (different object masses) to determine deterioration. The deformation data collected across different loading conditions provides feedback that is analyzed to assess the suction pad's mechanical properties and detect deterioration, improving accuracy over single-point measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 and accurate determination of suction portion deterioration, allowing for timely replacement and scheduled maintenance, thereby preventing unexpected production line stops.

Implementation Method 1

a suction portion (112) that holds an object by suction with negative pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

elastically deforms by the negative pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4049811B1Deterioration determination device, deterioration determination method, and control program

Publication Date: 2024.11.27 OMRON CORP

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AI summary

Provided is a suction apparatus capable of easily determining whether or not a suction portion has deteriorated. A deterioration determination apparatus (11) includes: an information obtainment unit (113) configured to obtain information on deformation of a suction portion (112) that is configured to hold an object by suction with negative pressure and elastically deforms by the negative pressure; and a deterioration determination unit (115) 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.