Vacuum Gripper Unit With Segmented Cylindrical Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vacuum gripper devices face challenges in assembly and disassembly, grip reliability, arrangement imbalance, and limited adaptability for swift vacuum creation or release, due to direct mounting of components and lack of additional mounting space.

Innovation Solution

A compact vacuum gripper unit with vertical cylindrical mounting containers providing additional space, allowing easy assembly and disassembly, improved grip reliability, and balanced arrangement, with the option to select between vacuum pump and release valve based on site needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the vacuum pump is directly mounted inside the main body to create a compact structure, then the device size is reduced, but the assembly and disassembly of components becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional modules: the main body and the vacuum pump are mounted on opposite sides rather than integrating the pump inside the main body. This segmentation allows each component to be independently assembled and disassembled while maintaining a compact overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If components are directly mounted without additional mounting space, then the device remains compact, but the arrangement balance and grip reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidgrip reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum pump and release valve are positioned asymmetrically on opposite sides of the main body, creating a balanced weight distribution and optimal arrangement. This asymmetric placement improves grip reliability while maintaining device compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If the vacuum pump is mounted inside the main body, then the structure is compact, but the adaptability for swift vacuum creation or release is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidadaptability for swift vacuum operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is designed with universal mounting positions that can accommodate different configurations. The vacuum pump and release valve can be positioned on opposite sides or in alternative arrangements, providing adaptability for different operational requirements while maintaining a compact structure.

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

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

Enhances assembly efficiency, grip stability, and adaptability for swift vacuum operations, ensuring reliable and balanced grip performance.

Implementation Method 1

When high-speed compressed air passes through the vacuum pump while the pad is in contact with an object, air present in the pad is pulled through the stream of the compressed air into the vacuum pump via the main body and the hose, and is discharged to the outside of the vacuum pump together with the compressed air. Herein, a negative pressure is thus created in the pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3431423B1Vacuum gripper unit comprising vacuum pump
Publication Date: 2021.07.28 VTEC CO LTD(KR)
  • EP3431423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3431423B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3431423B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vacuum gripper unit. The unit has a first mounting container and a second mounting container of cylindrical shapes formed in an H-type when seen from the outside, including a main body for providing a common vacuum chamber. A vacuum pump is inserted into the first mounting container, while the vacuum pump or a release valve is selectively mounted in the second mounting container. In addition, a front insertion hole of each of the first mounting container and the second mounting container is provided with a finishing material which supports each of the release valve and the vacuum pump that are mounted to thereby prevent the valve and pump from being separated. It is preferable that the finishing material of at least the first mounting container is a silencer.