Transfer System Energy Coupling for Flexible Vacuum Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transfer systems lack the flexibility to seamlessly switch between centralized and decentralized vacuum generation modes without requiring component replacement or conversion, limiting operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allows tooling tubes to be supplied with compressed air or vacuum through a control mechanism switching between central and decentralized supply means, using a single energy coupling with two outputs for both modes, ensuring functional reliability and economical use of compressed air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a transfer system is designed with a fixed interface between tooling tube and base frame for centralized vacuum generation, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot flexibly switch to decentralized vacuum generation mode without component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The energy coupling is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both centralized and decentralized vacuum generation modes. The base frame includes multiple energy couplings with standardized interfaces that accept different tooling configurations, allowing the same hardware interface to serve multiple operational purposes without requiring component replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic switching capability through controllable valves that can redirect compressed air flow between centralized and decentralized vacuum generation paths. The control device dynamically adjusts the operational mode by activating different valve configurations, enabling flexible transition between operating modes while maintaining a constant physical interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses centralized vacuum generation with a single supply line, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system loses the ability to provide both compressed air and vacuum through the same interface
Solution Approach 1:
The energy coupling interface is segmented into multiple independent outlets, with each outlet capable of delivering either compressed air or vacuum independently. This segmentation allows different tooling tubes to receive different pneumatic supplies simultaneously, providing flexibility in supply mode while maintaining a unified interface structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Controllable valves serve as intermediaries between the compressed air supply and the energy coupling outlets. These valves mediate the distribution of compressed air, selectively directing it to create vacuum at specific outlets or deliver compressed air directly, enabling the interface to provide both supply types without requiring separate physical pathways.
3Reliability
If different operating modes require different interface configurations, then each mode can be optimized, but component replacement and conversion are required between modes
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically controllable valves that can instantly switch between centralized and decentralized operational modes without any physical reconfiguration. The control device activates different valve states to transition between modes, eliminating the time-consuming process of component replacement while maintaining optimized performance for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy coupling system is designed to automatically adapt to different operational modes through its inherent multi-outlet structure and integrated valve control. The system self-regulates the pneumatic distribution based on control signals, eliminating the need for manual intervention or component replacement when switching modes, thus reducing downtime and maintaining continuous operational reliability.
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 flexible operation by allowing tooling tubes to be supplied with compressed air or vacuum centrally or decentrally without component replacement, ensuring efficient and reliable pneumatic supply in both modes.
Implementation Method 1
ersten und zweiten Vakuum erzeugenden Vorrichtungen (23, 24)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a transfer system. The transfer system is operated either according to a first operating mode or a second operating mode. In the first operating mode, a control means (21) is switched to a first switching position (S1), so that a first supply means (19) is activated to supply a number of tooling tubes, so that compressed air or vacuum is selectively supplied to the tooling tubes from the first supply means (19) via a supply line (23a; 24a) at an energy coupling (9; 10) per tooling tube. In the second operating mode, the control means (21) is switched to a second switching position, so that a second supply means (20) is activated to supply the number of tooling tubes, so that compressed air or vacuum is selectively supplied to the tooling tubes from the second supply means (20) via the respective energy coupling (9;10) compressed air is supplied via a first supply line (25b) and compressed air is supplied via a second supply line (25a).