Vacuum Gripper Adaptive Ejector Pulse Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum gripping devices require time-consuming individual adaptation for optimal operation, as setting parameters are highly dependent on system conditions such as nominal pressure and suction line length, leading to inconsistent object ejection due to fixed time-controlled or air flow rate-based ejector pulses.
Innovation Solution
The ejector pulse is generated based on the actual pressure in the suction gripper unit, allowing adaptive control and feedback for improved object ejection, independent of system marginal conditions, using a control valve device controlled by an electronic unit that measures and responds to pressure thresholds or pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed time-controlled ejector pulse is used, then the control is simple, but the ejection is inconsistent due to varying system conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the actual pressure in the suction gripper unit during ejector pulse generation and adjusting the control valve accordingly. The electronic control unit receives pressure signals from the pressure measurement device and modifies the ejector pulse parameters in real-time to maintain optimal ejection conditions, thereby ensuring consistent and reliable object ejection across varying system conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static, fixed time-controlled ejector pulses to dynamic, adaptive pulse generation. The control valve device adjusts the ejector pulse duration and intensity dynamically based on real-time pressure feedback, allowing the system to adapt to varying object sizes, weights, and system conditions automatically without manual reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If the ejector pulse duration is extended to ensure complete vacuum cancellation, then ejection is more reliable, but objects may be blown out or stuck
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism monitors pressure changes during ejector pulse generation and automatically terminates the pulse when the desired ejection is achieved. This prevents excessive pulse duration that could blow objects out or cause damage, while ensuring sufficient duration to achieve reliable ejection. The system adapts the pulse duration to the specific needs of each object based on real-time pressure feedback.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the ejector pulse parameters (duration, intensity) based on real-time pressure measurements and object characteristics. The control system adjusts these parameters adaptively rather than using fixed values, allowing optimization of ejection reliability while minimizing the risk of object damage by tailoring the pulse characteristics to each specific situation.
3Reliability
If individual adaptation is performed for each gripping device, then optimal operation is achieved, but the setting process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the gripping device automatically adapts to different objects and system conditions without manual intervention. The electronic control unit uses pressure feedback to automatically adjust ejector pulse parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming individual adaptation and setting processes. The system serves itself by automatically optimizing its own operation for each specific gripping task.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback control system enables the gripping device to automatically learn and adapt to varying conditions through real-time pressure monitoring. This eliminates the need for manual calibration and individual adaptation, as the system self-adjusts based on actual operating conditions, thereby reducing setting time while maintaining optimal operation.
4Productivity
If air flow rate is increased to improve ejection speed, then object deposition is faster, but objects may be blown out of the repository
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism monitors pressure changes during ejector pulse generation and adjusts the air flow rate in real-time. This allows the system to maintain high ejection speed by optimizing air flow rate while automatically reducing it when the object is sufficiently ejected, preventing blow-off. The system adapts the air flow rate dynamically to balance speed and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of air flow rate during ejector pulse generation rather than using fixed high flow rates. The control valve device modulates the air flow rate in response to real-time pressure feedback, allowing the system to achieve fast ejection when needed while preventing excessive flow that could blow objects out of the repository.
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 approach minimizes setting effort and ensures safe, gentle ejection of objects like computer chips by adapting pulse duration, reducing the risk of objects being blown out or stuck, and providing a reliable ejection confirmation signal.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure measurement device suitable for measuring the actual pressure prevailing in the suction gripper unit and communicating with the electronic control unit is assigned to the suction gripper unit
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum source causing a negative pressure in the suction gripper
Implementation Method 3
a positive pressure source generating an ejector pulse in the suction gripper
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a vacuum gripping device including a suction gripper unit, which is provided with at least one suction gripper. The suction gripper unit can be connected, via a control valve device connected to it, selectively to a vacuum source or to a positive pressure source generating an ejector pulse in the suction gripper. The ejector pulse is generated as a function of the actual pressure established in the suction gripper unit after its connection to the positive pressure source. A vacuum gripping device suitable for executing this method and including a pressure measurement device for detecting the actual pressure and an electronic control unit used for controlling the control valve device and communicating with the pressure measurement device.