Vacuum Clamping Device with Segmented Circuits for Dusty Workpieces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing workpiece clamping devices with vacuum technology face issues when dealing with abrasive or dusty materials, leading to seal leaks, frequent filter cleaning, reduced vacuum pump life, and imperfect gripping, resulting in decreased clamping effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A device with a lower cavity forming a vacuum reserve connected by a straight duct to the workpiece, eliminating filters and using a pneumatically operated valve for instantaneous suction, trapping impurities and water in the reserve, and allowing a full-bore duct for immediate vacuum application to the workpiece.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filters are provided on the vacuum pump vacuum circuit to prevent contamination, then the vacuum pump life is extended, but frequent cleaning is required and significant pressure drops are created in the air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into two separate circuits: a first vacuum circuit for the workbench with a filter, and a second vacuum circuit for the workpiece without filters. This segmentation allows the workpiece vacuum circuit to maintain full vacuum pressure without filter-induced pressure drops, while the workbench circuit handles contamination filtration separately.
Solution Approach 2:
Filters are extracted from the workpiece vacuum circuit and placed only in the workbench vacuum circuit. This removal of filters from the workpiece path eliminates the pressure drops they cause, while contamination is still managed through the separate workbench circuit filtration system.
2Reliability
If a conventional vacuum system is used with smooth surfaces, then good seal and vacuum adherence is achieved, but dust, impurities or chips prevent good seal and produce vacuum leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum sealing function is segmented between two separate vacuum circuits: one for the workbench surface and another for the workpiece. This allows each circuit to optimize its sealing approach independently, with the workpiece circuit remaining open to atmosphere and unaffected by dust and impurities that contaminate the workbench circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The first vacuum circuit acting on the workbench serves as an intermediary system that handles contamination separately. By creating vacuum on the workbench side through a sealed cavity, the system mediates the contamination issue without allowing it to affect the workpiece vacuum circuit, thus maintaining reliable vacuum sealing for the workpiece despite the presence of dust and impurities.
3Reliability
If filters are installed to prevent plugging and contamination, then vacuum pump protection is improved, but frequent cleaning is required and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is divided into separate circuits with filtration only where needed for structural protection (workbench circuit) rather than throughout the entire vacuum path. This segmentation eliminates the need for frequent filter cleaning in the workpiece circuit, maintaining continuous operation and high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
Filters are extracted from the workpiece vacuum circuit entirely, removing the maintenance burden of frequent cleaning that interrupts productivity. The vacuum pump is protected through the separate workbench circuit filtration system, allowing the workpiece circuit to operate continuously without filter-related interruptions.
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
This solution reduces pressure drops, enhances gripping efficiency, extends vacuum pump life, and increases productivity by eliminating filter maintenance and improving vacuum conductance, enabling effective clamping of abrasive or dusty workpieces.
Implementation Method 1
a first face for securing by vacuum to a workbench
Implementation Method 2
said vacuum reserve is connected by a substantially straight duct to said second face for securing the workpiece by vacuum, so as to constitute a vacuum shock when said duct is opened and suction on the side of said second securing face, so that the gripping of the workpiece occurs instantaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A device for clamping a workpiece (P) to a workbench (T) includes a body (1) containing a vacuum-generating element. The body (1) has a lower cavity (2) open at the bottom and positioned in the vicinity of a face for securing to the workbench (T). The lower cavity (2) forms a vacuum reserve, this vacuum reserve being connected by a substantially straight duct (6) to an upper face for securing a workpiece (P).