Vacuum Cup Assembly Pneumatic Auto-Release Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing material handling systems with vacuum cup assemblies require continuous compressed air supply and electronic controls to maintain and release vacuum, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to slow vacuum dissipation and the need for additional air lines.
Innovation Solution
A pneumatic valve system that automatically vents the vacuum cup to atmosphere when the air supply is deactivated, using pressure-sensitive switches to control the air supply and venting, eliminating the need for electronic controls and additional air lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a venturi nozzle with continuous air supply is used to generate vacuum, then the vacuum level is maintained, but air consumption increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a controller to intermittently activate the vacuum generator rather than maintaining continuous operation. The system monitors vacuum levels and activates the vacuum generator only when vacuum drops below a threshold, thereby maintaining reliable vacuum while significantly reducing compressed air consumption and operational costs.
2Loss of energy
If electronic vacuum sensing switch and check valve are used to shut off air supply, then air consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to electrical connections and additional air lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electronic control system from the vacuum cup assembly, replacing it with a mechanically actuated valve system. The valve is directly coupled to the vacuum cup and automatically responds to vacuum level changes through mechanical pressure differential, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, electrical connections, and complex control circuitry while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical valve system is self-regulating and automatically responds to vacuum level changes without external control. When vacuum drops, the pressure differential automatically opens the valve to allow air in; when vacuum is sufficient, the valve closes automatically. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external electronic controls or additional air lines.
3Stability of the object's composition
If vacuum is maintained without rapid venting capability, then object transport is stable, but release time increases at target location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by providing a vacuum system that can adapt its state based on operational requirements. During transport, the system maintains stable vacuum for secure object holding. At the target location, the system dynamically transitions to rapid venting mode through the controller-actuated valve, enabling quick release. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between transport stability and release speed.
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 allows for efficient and rapid vacuum application and release, reducing air consumption and costs, while maintaining the vacuum level during object transfer and enabling quick disengagement from the object at the target location without electronic controls.
Implementation Method 1
The vacuum at the cup may be provided by a venturi nozzle, whereby pressurized air is supplied or provided to a venturi nozzle at the cup and the air forced through the venturi nozzle creates a vacuum at the cup to seal the cup to the object surface.
Implementation Method 2
venturi vacuum generators use compressed air to generate vacuum via Bernoulli's principle and the Venturi effect
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
A material handling system (10) has a vacuum cup assembly (14) engagable with an object (20) and movable to move the object using a pressurized air source (12), a vacuum cup (16), a venturi device (18) and a vacuum valve (24) and auto-release valve (26). The venturi device (18) is in fluid communication with the vacuum cup (16) and connected to the supply line (28) so that pressurized air can be supplied to and through said venturi device to generate a partial vacuum when the perimeter seal of the vacuum cup is engaged with the object surface. The vacuum valve (24) may open and close the supply line at a location upstream of the venturi device in response to a pressure level at the vacuum cup cavity. The auto-release valve (26) may vent the vacuum cup cavity to atmosphere in response to reduced pressure in the supply line at a location upstream from the vacuum valve (24).