Portable Vacuum Carrier for Tight-Space Component Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for handling small components in electrical or optical device assembly, such as cameras and computers, face challenges due to the use of non-magnetic materials and tight spaces, where clamps are inconvenient and continuous vacuum hoses interfere with precise assembly.

Innovation Solution

A portable carrier system with a housing that forms a suction connection using a valve and vacuum maintaining mechanism, allowing for a partial vacuum to be held within a channel, enabling secure handling and transport of components without continuous vacuum hose engagement, and featuring a release mechanism for safe detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If clamps are used to hold and move components, then components can be securely held, but the clamps are too clunky to use in tight spaces of small electrical devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidusability in tight spaces

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical clamp system with a vacuum-based holding system. The vacuum carrier uses suction force generated by a vacuum source to hold components, eliminating the need for physical clamps. This allows the component to be held securely through atmospheric pressure differential rather than mechanical compression, enabling operation in tight spaces where clamps cannot fit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by using vacuum pressure to hold and transport components. The vacuum carrier creates a pressure differential between the interior chamber and exterior environment, using atmospheric pressure to press the component against the carrier surface. This pneumatic holding mechanism provides secure attachment without the physical bulk of mechanical clamps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Strength

If continuous vacuum hose devices are used to hold and move components, then components can be securely held, but the vacuum hoses interfere with crisp assembly of small electrical devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveholding forceVSAvoidinterference with assembly precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vacuum system into two separate functions: a portable vacuum carrier that directly contacts and holds the component, and a separate vacuum source that generates the vacuum pressure. The carrier can be detached and positioned precisely at the assembly location without the vacuum hose, while the vacuum source remains stationary. This segmentation eliminates the interference of continuous vacuum hoses with assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a portable vacuum carrier as an intermediary between the vacuum source and the component. Instead of connecting the vacuum hose directly to the component throughout the assembly process, the carrier serves as a mobile intermediary that can be positioned precisely where needed. The vacuum hose only needs to connect to the carrier, not the component itself, eliminating interference with assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If magnet techniques are used to move components, then components can be easily moved between assembly stations, but magnet techniques are unusable for non-magnetic components such as optical glass components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of movementVSAvoidcompatibility with non-magnetic materials

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameter used for holding from magnetic field interaction to pressure differential interaction. By using vacuum pressure and atmospheric pressure differential instead of magnetic forces, the system becomes applicable to all materials regardless of magnetic properties. The holding force is generated through pressure differential acting on the component surface area, which works equally well for magnetic, non-magnetic, conductive, and insulating materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system provides a reusable, maintenance-free solution for holding components securely for extended periods without damaging them, allowing for precise assembly and quick release in tight spaces, avoiding adhesive residue and hose-related interference.

Implementation Method 1

The vacuum maintaining mechanism holds a partial vacuum within the channel, after a vacuum source has withdrawn air from the channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

The first opening forms a suction connection with a transportable component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS11772280B2Portable suction device carrier for assembly processes

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 CIENA CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein is an apparatus that includes a housing including a first opening and a second opening. The first opening forms a suction connection with a transportable component. The apparatus includes a valve connected with the second opening a channel defined within the housing. The channel extends between the first opening and the second opening. The apparatus includes a vacuum maintaining mechanism disposed within the channel, and the vacuum maintaining mechanism holds a partial vacuum within the channel.