Vacuum Chamber Gripper Tubular Interface Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing suction device assembly is complex and impractical, requiring partial disassembly for assembly and maintenance, complicating both processes.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum chamber with an elastically deformable tubular interface that secures pneumatic accessories through an external groove, providing sealing and simplifying assembly and disassembly by retaining the accessories on a fastener plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional suction cup assembly with collar, nut, and sealing gasket is used, then reliable sealing and retention are achieved, but assembly and disassembly require partial disassembly of the chamber, complicating the process
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket and retention function are merged into a single integrated tubular interface component. This interface includes an external groove that provides both sealing against the plate and mechanical retention of the suction cup, eliminating the need for separate collar, nut, and gasket components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing through the external groove, mechanical retention through the groove engagement with the plate, and structural support for the suction cup. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies assembly.
2Reliability
If a conventional suction cup assembly with multiple components is used, then reliable retention is achieved, but maintenance becomes more complex due to multiple parts
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components (collar, nut, sealing gasket) are merged into a single tubular interface component. This reduction in part count directly simplifies maintenance procedures, as fewer components need to be handled, inspected, and replaced during maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex assembly of multiple retention and sealing components is extracted and replaced with a single integrated tubular interface that maintains all necessary functions. This extraction simplifies the overall system and makes maintenance more straightforward.
3Strength
If a conventional multi-component assembly is used, then secure fastening is achieved, but the number of components increases, complicating manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The collar, nut, and sealing gasket are merged into a single tubular interface component that can be manufactured as one piece. This reduces manufacturing complexity by eliminating the need to produce, inventory, and assemble multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular interface is designed to perform multiple functions (sealing, retention, support) in a single component, which simplifies the manufacturing process compared to producing and assembling multiple specialized components.
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
Facilitates easier assembly and disassembly of pneumatic accessories, enhancing the practicality and efficiency of the suction device's maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable tubular interface including an external groove in which the periphery of the perforation is received so as to provide sealing between the plate and the interface
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum chamber for a gripper including at least one fastener plate and at least one pneumatic accessory fastened in a perforation in the fastener plate. The pneumatic accessory is held in the perforation by an elastically deformable tubular interface including an external groove in which the periphery of the perforation is received so as to provide sealing between the plate and the interface, the interface defining a channel extending between a first end of the interface extending inside the chamber and a second end extending outside the chamber, at least a portion of the pneumatic accessory being inserted in the channel of the interface.