Vacuum Gripper With Selective Suction For Container Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging systems face challenges in maintaining the desired orientation and blemish-free condition of containers throughout the packaging process, particularly in achieving efficient and reliable handling of containers of varying sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a gripper with a suction body and suction cup, coupled to a track, allows for vacuum coupling and orientation of containers, ensuring they are maintained in the desired position through a series of conveying, orienting, and grouping modules, utilizing vacuum technology to secure and reorient containers effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional packaging systems are used to handle containers, then the packaging process can be completed, but the containers cannot maintain the desired orientation throughout the process
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper is divided into multiple suction cups, each independently controllable, allowing precise orientation control of the container by selectively activating specific suction cups to maintain desired container orientation throughout the packaging process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical gripping mechanisms with a vacuum-based suction system. The suction cups create a vacuum field that holds the container without mechanical contact points, enabling precise orientation maintenance without the containers becoming misaligned or damaged
2Ease of operation
If conventional gripping methods are used, then containers can be handled, but the containers may suffer from scratches, dents and smears
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based gripping with a vacuum field-based holding system. The suction cups create a distributed vacuum field that holds the container without concentrated mechanical contact points, eliminating scratches, dents, and smears while maintaining secure container handling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a vacuum-based pneumatic system to hold and manipulate containers. The suction cups create a vacuum field that securely holds containers without mechanical contact, preventing surface damage while enabling easy and reliable container handling throughout the packaging process
3Adaptability or versatility
If packaging systems handle various container sizes and shapes, then versatility is improved, but maintaining consistent orientation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The gripper consists of multiple independently controllable suction cups arranged in a pattern that can adapt to different container geometries. By selectively activating specific suction cups based on container size and shape, the system maintains consistent orientation across various container types while preserving versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cup array is designed with a universal configuration that can accommodate multiple container sizes and shapes. The same gripper mechanism maintains orientation consistency across different container types by adjusting which suction cups are activated, providing both versatility and precision
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 system ensures containers are efficiently and reliably oriented and packaged, reducing the risk of damage and maintaining their intended orientation, facilitating faster changeovers between different container sizes and types, while minimizing factory floor space.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup coupled to the suction body and forming a second vacuum cavity. The second vacuum cavity of the suction cup is in selective fluid communication with the first vacuum cavity of the suction body
Implementation Method 2
The gripper is configured to be releasably coupled to a container via vacuum
Data Source
AI summary
A gripper for a packaging system includes a suction body forming a first vacuum cavity and a suction cup coupled to the suction body and forming a second vacuum cavity. The second vacuum cavity of the suction cup is in selective fluid communication with the first vacuum cavity of the suction body.