Vacuum Cup Override Cap for Easy Repositioning and Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auto release vacuum devices are tedious for users to adjust when repositioning or adjusting suction cups or vacuum cups on objects.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cup assembly with a movable cap that can override the vacuum, allowing easy positioning and adjustment by blocking the air flow through a venturi device, connected to a pressurized air supply, to facilitate the repositioning of vacuum cups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the automatic release vacuum device is used to maintain vacuum engagement, then the object can be securely held and moved, but the device becomes tedious to adjust when repositioning vacuum cups
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a vacuum generation portion and a separate override portion. The override portion includes a movable cap that can be independently actuated to release vacuum, allowing the main vacuum system to remain intact while providing easy adjustment capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable cap acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the vacuum system. By moving the cap, users can override the vacuum engagement without directly manipulating the main vacuum device, simplifying the adjustment process while maintaining secure holding during normal operation.
2Reliability
If pressurized air flows continuously through the venturi to maintain vacuum, then the vacuum cup remains engaged with the object, but the system consumes continuous energy and creates ongoing noise
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous pressurized air flow to periodic or on-demand flow. The override mechanism allows users to interrupt the continuous air flow by blocking the exit openings, thereby reducing energy consumption and noise while maintaining vacuum engagement during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise reduction device or diffuser is extracted as a separate component at the discharge end of the venturi. This allows the pressurized air flow to be controlled and redirected through the movable cap mechanism, separating the vacuum generation function from the exhaust discharge function.
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 users to easily position and reposition vacuum cups on objects without the need for extensive adjustments, improving operational efficiency in material handling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pressurized air supply is activated to force pressurized air through the venturi to generate at least partial vacuum in the vacuum passageway and at the vacuum cup when the vacuum cup is engaged with an object. Pressurized air flows through the venturi and draws air from the vacuum passageway and into the venturi via at least one vacuum port of the venturi.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum cup assembly (10) has a vacuum device with a vacuum passageway (22) and a venturi (28). A vacuum cup (12) is configured to engage an object (16). The venturi generates (28) an at least partial vacuum at the vacuum cup (12) when the vacuum cup (12) is engaged with an object (16). The vacuum cup (12) seals against the object (16) when the venturi device (28) generates the at least partial vacuum. A noise reducing device (100) is at a discharge of the venturi (28). The noise reducing device (100, 200) has a housing (102, 202) defining a chamber, a plurality of spaced exit openings (122, 218) and a movable cap (104, 204). Air discharged at the venturi (28) is diverted in the chamber and flows out through the exit openings (122, 218). The movable cap (104, 204) covers the exit openings (122) to override the vacuum to enable the vacuum cup (12) to be positioned or repositioned on the object (16).