Vacuum Suction Cup Condition Checking for Parallel Grip Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum suction cups in gripping devices suffer from wear and overloading, leading to impaired functionality, particularly at the suction opening edges and in the area where suction elements meet the suction plate, necessitating a reliable method for condition monitoring to ensure proper gripping and releasing of workpieces.
Innovation Solution
A method and device for condition control of vacuum suction cups, where each suction cup is aligned with a test device, and a vacuum is applied to detect changes in position, allowing for the detection of functional or non-functional suction elements and valves through optical or electrical signals, enabling simple and rapid testing of multiple suction cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of vacuum suction cups are used on suction plates, then the gripping device can handle workpieces more effectively, but the complexity of monitoring and testing each suction cup increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple testing devices are combined into a single integrated testing unit that can simultaneously test multiple suction cups. The testing device includes a testing plate with multiple testing elements arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing parallel testing of multiple suction cups on the suction plate, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring of all suction cups.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device is designed with multi-functionality to handle various testing requirements. It can test both individual suction cups and groups of suction cups, accommodate different suction cup arrangements (matrix patterns, row-column patterns), and provide both visual and automated testing modes, making it a universal solution for monitoring large numbers of suction cups.
2Measurement precision
If each suction cup is tested individually, then the functionality of each suction element can be verified, but the time required for testing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device enables periodic testing of suction cups through automated sequences. The system can systematically activate and test suction cups in predetermined patterns (e.g., row by row, column by column, or in groups), allowing comprehensive testing to be completed in periodic cycles rather than requiring continuous individual testing of each suction cup.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device performs preliminary alignment and positioning actions before actual testing begins. The suction plate and testing plate are pre-aligned using alignment marks and guide elements, ensuring that testing elements are correctly positioned over suction cups before the testing sequence starts, which streamlines the overall testing process and reduces time loss.
3Ease of operation
If manual testing of suction cups is performed, then the testing procedure is simple to implement, but the productivity and efficiency of the testing process decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device incorporates dynamic elements that can be activated based on testing requirements. The system supports both static visual inspection modes and dynamic automated testing modes with moving components, allowing the testing approach to adapt to the specific situation - simple visual checks for routine monitoring and automated dynamic testing for comprehensive verification, thereby balancing ease of operation with productivity.
4Manufacturing precision
If the testing device requires complex alignment procedures, then precise positioning can be achieved, but the ease of operation and setup time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The testing device incorporates self-aligning features that automatically position the testing plate relative to the suction plate. Alignment marks, guide elements, and mechanical interlocking features enable the system to self-align during setup, eliminating the need for complex manual alignment procedures while maintaining precise positioning between testing elements and suction cups.
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 a time-saving and reliable functional check of numerous suction elements and valves, allowing for easy identification of defects and ensuring the suction cups can generate the required holding force, thereby maintaining reliable workpiece handling.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum suction cups are subjected to vacuum and a signal is emitted by each testing device if the testing device detects a change in the initial state or initial position
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for checking the status of vacuum suction cups (35) of a gripping device (27) which are subjected to vacuum in order to grip workpieces (12, 36), each vacuum suction cup (35) having a ) gripping suction element (31) and each suction element (31) or a group of suction elements (31) are controlled with at least one valve (40), in which at least one suction plate (33) of the gripping device (27) containing several vacuum suction cups (35 ) and a testing device (41), which includes a plurality of testing devices (45), are aligned with one another, with each vacuum suction cup (35) facing a testing device (45), with each testing device (45) being arranged in an initial state (49), and in which, to test the suction elements (31), the suction elements (31) of the vacuum suction cups (35) of the at least one suction plate (33) and the testing devices (45) of the testing device (41) are brought into contact and the vacuum suction cups (35) are subjected to a vacuum, or in which, in order to test the at least one valve (40), the valve or valves (40) of the gripping device (27) are subjected to a vacuum and the vacuum suction cups (35) of the at least one suction plate (33) and the test devices (45) of the test device (41) are brought into contact, and in which a signal is emitted by each test device (45) of the test device (41) for the respective test of the suction elements (31) or the at least one valve (40). , as soon as the test device (45) detects a change from the initial state (49). (See Figure 3)