Dual-Slide Vacuum Ejector Control for Compact Handling Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum production devices for gripping and handling parts are complex and bulky, making them difficult to integrate into machines, especially those requiring compactness.

Innovation Solution

A multi-ejector system with a compact control body that uses a single mobile drawer to simultaneously connect and disconnect each ejector to the pressure and vacuum circuits, simplifying the command and reducing size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ejectors with separate control valves are used to adapt vacuum production, then vacuum production adaptability is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum production adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple control functions into a single integrated control valve that can manage multiple ejectors simultaneously. This single valve integrates the functions of what would traditionally require separate control valves, thereby reducing control complexity while maintaining the ability to adapt vacuum production across multiple ejectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple ejectors through a single device. It can selectively connect and disconnect different ejectors to the vacuum circuit based on operational requirements, providing universal control capability that reduces the need for multiple specialized control components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple ejectors with check valves are used to avoid leaks, then vacuum production adaptability is improved, but device bulk and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum production adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice bulk
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates check valve functions into the single control valve mechanism, eliminating the need for separate check valves for each ejector. This merging of functions reduces the overall device bulk while maintaining leak prevention capabilities across multiple ejectors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: controlling vacuum supply to different ejectors, preventing leaks between ejectors, and adapting vacuum production levels. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device bulk.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single control member controls multiple ejectors, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision for each ejector may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol simplicityVSAvoidcontrol precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single control valve incorporates segmented control mechanisms that can independently manage each ejector's connection and disconnection. This segmentation within the unified control structure allows precise control of individual ejectors while maintaining the simplicity of a single control member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve employs dynamic positioning mechanisms that can precisely adjust the connection state of each ejector independently. This dynamic capability ensures that even with a single control member, the system can achieve precise control over vacuum supply to each ejector based on operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution results in a simpler and more compact vacuum production system, facilitating integration into machines while maintaining efficient vacuum production capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

The air introduced into the inlet nozzle via an inlet port is accelerated in the venturi by creating a depression in the intermediate chamber and in the vacuum circuit via the suction port.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4542052A1Vacuum production device with dual function control slide and handling device comprising such a vacuum production device
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 COVAL
  • EP4542052A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4542052A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4542052A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Vacuum production device, comprising at least one first ejector (1.1) having an inlet port (5.1) and a suction port (6.1). The device includes a control member (10) comprising a body (11) having at least one pressure inlet (12) and one suction inlet (13) intended to be connected respectively to a pressurized air circuit (101) and a vacuum circuit (102), and a first spool (20, 40) movablely mounted in the body (11) between a connection position of the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the pressure inlet (12) and the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the suction inlet (13), and a disconnection position of the inlet port (5.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the pressure inlet (12) and the suction port (6.1) of the first ejector (1.1) with respect to the suction inlet. (13). Handling device comprising such a vacuum production device.