Vacuum Box Gripper With Selective Suction Cup Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum gripping devices are limited in their adaptability to handle parts of varying shapes, weights, and sizes, as they often require all suction cups to be active, leading to inefficiencies when not all are needed.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum gripping device with independently controllable suction cups, featuring a tubular body with sliding pistons and compressed air control, allowing selective use of suction cups based on object dimensions and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If all suction cups are kept active in a vacuum chamber, then the gripping force is maximized for heavy objects, but the device cannot efficiently handle lighter or smaller objects where not all suction cups are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum chamber is divided into multiple independent gripping zones, each with its own suction cup assembly that can be controlled separately. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual suction cups based on the size and weight of the object being handled, improving both adaptability and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are equipped with movable pistons that can dynamically adjust their position between extended (gripping) and retracted (non-gripping) states. This dynamic control enables the system to adapt its gripping configuration in real-time according to the object characteristics, allowing efficient handling of various sizes and weights.
2Reliability
If the vacuum chamber is designed for a specific object size, then gripping performance is optimized for that size, but the device cannot efficiently handle objects of different dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum chamber is designed with multiple suction cup assemblies that can be selectively activated to handle different object sizes. By combining or individualizing the use of these suction cups, the device achieves multi-functionality, maintaining reliable gripping performance across a range of object dimensions rather than being limited to a single designed size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by selectively activating or deactivating individual suction cup assemblies based on object dimensions. This parameter adjustment allows the same vacuum chamber to optimize its gripping configuration for different object sizes, maintaining reliability across varying dimensions.
3Use of energy by stationary object
If suction cups continue to draw air when not actively gripping, then the vacuum system remains pressurized, but energy is wasted and performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cups operate in periodic cycles, alternating between active gripping phases (when objects are present) and inactive phases (when objects are removed). During inactive phases, the pistons retract to close off the suction ports, preventing continuous air intake and eliminating energy waste while maintaining the ability to quickly resume gripping when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when objects are present or absent and adjusts the suction cup activation state accordingly. This self-service mechanism ensures that suction cups only consume energy when actively gripping objects, eliminating wasteful continuous operation while maintaining system readiness.
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 independent control of suction cups for efficient handling of objects of varying sizes and weights, optimizing grip and release operations.
Implementation Method 1
a first hollow piston defining with the walls of the first cavity a first chamber of variable volume into which opens a compressed air conduit
Implementation Method 2
a first chamber of variable volume into which opens a compressed air conduit
Implementation Method 3
a suction cup... fitted with a deformable rubber skirt... into which opens a compressed air conduit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C~2D
AI summary
Gripping member (20) for vacuum chamber, comprising a tubular body (21) which has a section (21.1) delimiting a cavity in which is mounted a slidable hollow piston (24) defining with the walls of the first cavity a first chamber (Ci) of variable volume into which opens a compressed air conduit (S), the piston being provided, opposite the first chamber, with a tubular extension (25) having a free end section projecting from the first cavity and provided with a suction cup, the piston and the tubular extension defining a suction channel (25.1) having an end which opens into the suction cup (26) and an opposite end which receives by sliding sealing a rod (29), the tubular extension having at least one suction orifice (25.2) to connect the suction channel to a second chamber (C2) under vacuum, and the piston being mounted to move in translation relative to the rod between a rest position in which the rod obstructs the suction orifice and a gripping position in which the rod is withdrawn from the suction orifice.