Suction Pad Suspension Device With Braking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current suspension devices for suction pads on robotic arms lack the ability to stop the stem at a specific extension and can slide too quickly, leading to transient swinging phenomena before the suction pad is fully stopped.
Innovation Solution
A suspension device with a braking mechanism that includes a movable pad with an inclined surface, actuated by a pneumatic piston or spring, allowing for controlled slowing or stopping of the stem's movement, enabling precise positioning and reducing unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stem is allowed to slide freely with respect to the body, then the device can compensate for robotic arm displacement effectively, but the stem cannot be stopped at a given extension and may slide too quickly causing transient swinging
Solution Approach 1:
A braking device is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the stem and body. This braking device includes a brake pad that can be selectively engaged with the stem to provide friction-based resistance, allowing the stem to be stopped at desired positions while maintaining free sliding capability when braking is not engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device is designed to be dynamically controllable, transitioning between engaged and disengaged states. When disengaged, the stem slides freely for compensation; when engaged, the brake pad contacts the stem to provide controlled resistance and stopping capability, thus adapting the system behavior to different operational requirements.
2Reliability
If a braking device is added to stop the stem at given positions, then positioning control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking device is segmented into distinct functional components: a brake pad for friction contact, a actuating mechanism for engagement/disengagement control, and a mounting structure attached to the body. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The braking device is designed to be self-actuating through the mechanical interaction between the stem movement and the brake pad arrangement. The relative motion between stem and body automatically engages or disengages the braking action without requiring external control systems, reducing overall system complexity.
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 braking device allows for precise control over the stem's position, preventing unwanted movement and reducing transient swinging, enhancing the stability and effectiveness of suction pad operations on robotic arms.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by a pneumatic piston or spring
Implementation Method 2
actuated by a pneumatic piston or spring
Implementation Method 3
a pad movable between a forward position, at which it applies a pressure onto the stem sufficient to slow down the travel thereof or stop it completely
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension device of suction pads of industrial manipulators is described, which can also be defined as level compensator. The device includes a body and a telescopic stem passing through the body, and sliding between an extended position and a retracted position. A spring constantly applies a thrust on the stem to bring it to the extended position. The device is hollow to allow the suction of the air from the suction pad constrained to the stem. Advantageously the suspension device comprises a brake which can be activated to brake, i.e., slow down, the stroke of the stem or stop it completely.