Vacpad Assembly With Multi-Bore Vacuum Holding for Flexible Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction devices used in the construction industry are limited by their size, adaptability, flexibility, and cost, making them undesirable for various applications and often unworkable in many areas.
Innovation Solution
A vacpad tool assembly that includes a body with bores and a valve system, allowing attachment to a vacuum source to secure workpieces, and a tilting mount for adjustable positioning, along with a support system for holding workpieces securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suction devices are used to secure parts, then parts can be held in place, but the devices are limited to large parts with only a few select sizes, reducing adaptability and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device body is designed with multiple bores (first bore in top surface, second bore in bottom surface, third bore in side surface) that can accommodate workpieces of various sizes and shapes. The valve mechanism provides universal control for securing and releasing different workpieces, making the device adaptable to diverse construction applications rather than limited to specific part sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the suction function into multiple independent bores distributed across different surfaces (top, bottom, side). Each bore can independently secure portions of a workpiece, allowing the device to handle various sizes and configurations of parts by engaging different bore combinations as needed.
2Reliability
If conventional suction devices are used to secure parts, then parts can be held in place, but the devices are frequently expensive, adding to their lack of desirability
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a simple pneumatic valve mechanism controlled by a plunger to manage vacuum pressure. This pneumatic control system provides reliable securement of workpieces through vacuum suction while maintaining a simple, cost-effective structure that can be manufactured affordably without complex electronic or mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is designed to be manually operated by a plunger, allowing the user to control the vacuum suction directly. This self-service design eliminates the need for expensive motors, sensors, or automated control systems while maintaining reliable securement through direct user control of the vacuum flow.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suction devices are used to secure parts, then parts can be held in place, but the devices lack flexibility in many applications
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a dynamic valve mechanism that can be quickly opened or closed by moving the plunger. This allows the device to rapidly transition between securing and releasing workpieces, providing operational flexibility for different construction tasks without requiring complex reconfiguration or multiple specialized tools.
4Reliability
If a valve is added to control vacuum flow, then workpiece securement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve function is extracted as a separate, simple mechanical component (plunger-operated valve) rather than being integrated into a complex automated system. This extracted valve mechanism provides reliable securement control through a single, easy-to-operate component that minimizes overall device complexity while maximizing control capability.
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 vacpad tool assembly provides adaptable and cost-effective securement of workpieces, enabling use in diverse construction applications without reliance on external power sources, and facilitating easy removal and repositioning of secured items.
Implementation Method 1
coupled to a vacuum source. Upon contact of a workpiece with the top portion of the body, air from the vacuum source is allowed to be drawn into and through the bore in the top portion to secure the workpiece to the body
Implementation Method 2
a suction device to secure parts... air from the vacuum source is allowed to be drawn into and through the bore
Data Source
AI summary
A vacpad tool assembly for securing a workpiece includes a body adapted to be removably attached to a surface, coupled to a vacuum source, and including a top portion and two side walls. A bore is formed in the top portion and each of the side walls, and each bore is coupled to at least one other bore within the body. In addition, a valve is disposed in the bore formed in the top portion of the body and extends onto the top portion of the body. So configured, upon engagement of a workpiece with the valve, the valve is moved to an open position, allowing air from the vacuum source to be drawn into and through the bore to secure the workpiece to the body.