Vacuum Effector Shroud for Delicate Workpiece Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum effectors are prone to causing scratching and deformation of delicate articles such as optical films and silicon chip wafers, leading to high waste rates and slow production due to their susceptibility to damage during manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a vacuum effector with a wall defining an enclosed opening, a negative pressure source, and a shroud covering the rim, along with an optional permeable support member recessed from the lip plane, which minimizes deformation and protects the work piece from damage by using a resilient material for the rim and a fibrous shroud to cushion the contact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional vacuum effectors are used to manipulate delicate articles, then the manipulation task is performed, but the articles are subjected to scratching and deformation
Solution Approach 1:
A shroud made of soft, compliant material (such as rubber, silicone, or foam) is introduced as an intermediary between the vacuum effector and the delicate workpiece. The shroud covers the rim of the vacuum effector and directly contacts the workpiece, absorbing mechanical stresses and preventing scratching while the rigid vacuum effector maintains the vacuum seal for effective manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud is constructed from flexible, compliant materials that can deform to match the contour of the workpiece surface. This flexibility allows the shroud to conform to delicate articles such as optical films and silicon wafers, distributing contact pressure evenly and preventing localized deformation or scratching during manipulation
2Ease of operation
If conventional vacuum effectors are used for delicate work pieces, then manipulation is achieved, but production efficiency decreases due to damage and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The shroud acts as a protective mediator that enables reliable manipulation of delicate workpieces without damage. By preventing scratching and deformation, the shroud reduces waste rates and rework requirements, thereby improving production efficiency and throughput while maintaining full manipulation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The shroud provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-installed on the vacuum effector in a relaxed state. When the effector contacts the workpiece, the shroud compresses and absorbs mechanical shocks and stresses before they can reach the delicate workpiece, preventing damage proactively rather than reactively
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 configuration effectively reduces the risk of scratching and deformation, allowing for the safe manipulation and handling of delicate work pieces with minimal damage, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum effectors employing negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
some vacuum effectors employ negative pressure generated by the Bernoulli effect
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Vacuum effectors comprising: (a) a wall defining an enclosed opening and having a rim defining a lip plane; (b) a negative pressure source; (c) a shroud covering the rim; and (d) optionally a permeable support member spanning the enclosed opening, the support member being substantially planar and recessed a selected depth from the lip plane. Also, methods of manipulating work pieces using such vacuum effectors.