Vacuum Gripping Layers for Uniform Handling of Flexible Materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing large composite parts requires uniform gripping of flexible materials without causing distortion or damage, as existing methods often result in non-uniform pressure or tension, leading to potential damage and rework.
Innovation Solution
A gripping apparatus comprising impermeable layers and flow media layers with vacuum ports, allowing for controlled vacuum application to engage and move flexible materials, ensuring uniform gripping and tensioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If discrete location gripping is used to move flexible materials, then the materials can be transported between manufacturing stations, but non-uniform pressure or tension is caused across the part surface
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus is divided into multiple independent gripping zones or cells distributed across the surface. Each zone can apply gripping force independently, allowing the system to maintain uniform overall pressure while locally adapting to surface variations. This segmentation enables uniform pressure distribution across the entire flexible material surface during transportation.
2Force
If constant grip force is applied at discrete locations, then the flexible materials can be held for movement, but distortion or damage may occur to the materials
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus employs locally adaptable gripping elements that can adjust their force application based on local material properties and surface geometry. Each gripping zone can modulate its force independently, applying higher force where needed for secure holding and lower force where the material is more susceptible to damage. This local quality adjustment prevents distortion and damage while maintaining adequate grip force for transportation.
3Manufacturing precision
If vacuum gripping is used to secure flexible materials, then uniform pressure can be achieved, but the system complexity increases with multiple layers and components
Solution Approach 1:
The gripping apparatus utilizes a flexible membrane or film as the primary gripping interface, which naturally conforms to the surface of the flexible material and distributes vacuum pressure uniformly across the contact area. This flexible shell approach achieves uniform pressure distribution without requiring complex rigid structures with multiple adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining gripping uniformity.
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 provides uniform gripping and tensioning of flexible materials, reducing the risk of distortion and damage during handling and assembly, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing rework.
Implementation Method 1
A system includes a gripping apparatus... A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the gripping apparatus... drawing a vacuum between the gripping apparatus and the first portion of the flexible material to engage the first portion
Implementation Method 2
A gripping apparatus comprising impermeable layers and flow media layers with vacuum ports, allowing for controlled vacuum application to engage and move flexible materials, ensuring uniform gripping and tensioning
Data Source
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AI summary
A gripping apparatus (110) includes an impermeable layer (112) defining a vacuum port (164), a first flow media layer (114) associated with the impermeable layer (112), and a second flow media layer (116) opposed from the first flow media layer (114) to define a receiving space (102) therebetween.