Additive Manufacturing Vacuum Gripping Block with Movable Ram
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum gripping devices face issues with air leakage due to exposed holes when lifting smaller workpieces, leading to a decrease in suction effect and potential vacuum breakdown, and existing solutions like non-return valves complicate production with individual machining and securing of components.
Innovation Solution
A gripping block with a main body manufactured using additive manufacturing, featuring a movable ram in an air duct that narrows downstream, allowing for efficient air flow control and sealing, and optionally equipped with a stopper to prevent plunger exit, simplifying production and enhancing structural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-return valves are provided in each hole to prevent air leakage, then the suction effect is maintained, but the production complexity increases due to individual machining and securing of components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (main body, rams, and stoppers) into a single integrated structure manufactured via additive manufacturing. This merging eliminates the need for separate machining and assembly operations for each hole's non-return valve mechanism, thereby maintaining the suction effect while significantly reducing production complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional subtractive manufacturing to additive manufacturing, fundamentally changing the production parameter approach. This enables the complex integrated structure with multiple air ducts and movable rams to be produced as a single piece, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and reducing device complexity
2Reliability
If individual holes are machined and equipped with balls and collars to seal exposed holes, then air leakage is prevented, but the manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the main body, multiple air ducts, rams, and stoppers into a single integrated component manufactured through additive manufacturing. This eliminates the need for individual machining and assembly operations for each hole, thereby maintaining vacuum stability while significantly improving production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The additive manufacturing process enables the complex integrated structure to be produced autonomously in a single operation without requiring subsequent assembly steps. The system essentially manufactures itself as a complete functional unit, resolving the contradiction between vacuum stability and production efficiency
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 maintains suction effect by controlling air flow and preventing leakage, while simplifying production through additive manufacturing, enabling easier creation of complex structures and reducing the need for separate manufacturing steps for individual components.
Implementation Method 1
after a negative pressure has been created in the hollow chamber, for example by means of a suction device, a suction effect can be exerted
Implementation Method 2
a suction effect can be exerted on an object lying against the outer ends of the holes
Implementation Method 3
The ball is held against the collar by the negative pressure on the downstream side and prevents further leakage air flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A gripping block for a vacuum gripping device comprises a main body (1) in which at least one air channel (2) with an inlet opening (3) and an outlet opening (4) is formed. A movable plunger (5) is arranged in the air channel (2), and a suction device for generating an airflow from the inlet opening, through the outlet opening, to the suction device can be connected to the outlet opening (4). Downstream of the plunger (5), a reduction (7) in the cross-section of the air channel is provided in the air channel (2). The plunger (5) is movable in the air channel (2) between a closed position, in which the plunger (5) rests against the reduction (7) of the cross-section and thus closes the air channel (2), and an open position, in which the plunger releases an airflow through the air channel. The main body (1) is manufactured by an additive manufacturing process.