Vacuum Generator Valve Actuation for Gentle Object Release
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum generator devices for material handling systems take too long to deactivate the vacuum, which can be too rough for fragile objects and hampers production rates, especially when using compressed air for blow-off.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum generator device with a dual-state valve actuated by compressed air that seals off the vacuum channel during blow-off, eliminating air leakage and requiring no additional energy for valve control, allowing for a fast and gentle release of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If compressed air is allowed into the vacuum gripper via a controlled valve for active release, then object release speed is improved, but air is wasted and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the blow-off function from the main vacuum supply line by introducing a separate blow-off connection that bypasses the vacuum channel. This allows compressed air to be directed specifically to the vacuum cup interior without wasting air through the ejector, thereby reducing air consumption while maintaining fast release capability
Solution Approach 2:
A dual-state valve is introduced as an intermediary component to control the blow-off air flow. The valve switches between open and closed states based on whether vacuum supply or release is required, efficiently directing compressed air to the vacuum cup interior without allowing it to escape through the ejector
2Loss of energy
If a dual-state valve is added to seal the vacuum channel during blow-off, then air efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-state valve is designed to be self-actuating, using the compressed air pressure itself to trigger the valve closure. When blow-off air is supplied, the pressure automatically closes the valve, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms and keeping the device relatively simple despite the added functionality
3Device complexity
If blow-off air is allowed to exit through the ejector, then device simplicity is maintained, but blow-off efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the air flow paths into separate channels: a vacuum supply channel and a blow-off channel. The blow-off connection provides a dedicated pathway for compressed air to enter the vacuum cup interior directly, preventing the air from exiting through the ejector and thereby improving blow-off efficiency without significantly complicating the overall system structure
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 reduces deactivation time and increases efficiency by preventing air wastage during blow-off, ensuring a fast and gentle release of objects, even with fragile items, without consuming excess compressed air or needing a pilot air supply.
Implementation Method 1
a valve (4) actuated by a compressed air-flow (BP) in 'blow-off'. When blow-off is activated, the valve closes and seals off the vacuum channel (1)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A vacuum generator (3) driven by compressed air flow and arranged to supply vacuum (VaC) to a vacuum gripper means, wherein a vacuum flow connection (1) is associated with the vacuum generator (3) and arranged to be brought in flow connection (VaC) with the vacuum gripper means in order to supply vacuum to the vacuum gripper means in result of the compressed air flow, wherein the flow connection (1) in addition comprises a second connection (8) arranged to supply a compressed air flow to the vacuum gripper means, and wherein the flow connection (1) comprises a valve (4) which is actuated by a spring force in a lower position (A) and to open said connection (1) to the vacuum gripper means and arranged to close the connection (1) in result of an air pressure from a compressed air flow (BP) in the second connection (8) in a higher position (B).