Vacuum Hoisting Valve for Smooth Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum lifting devices face difficulties in smoothly lifting suction means from the surface of transported goods, particularly when the goods have smooth or closed surfaces, due to the lingering negative pressure which prevents easy detachment of the suction means.
Innovation Solution
The valve device is designed to control the free cross-section of the air supply duct, allowing for partial pressure equalization between the suction hose and the environment, enabling the buildup of negative pressure for lifting and subsequent venting to facilitate the lifting of the suction means by reducing negative pressure on the suction means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the suction means maintains sealing contact with the surface of the goods to be transported, then the suction force is maximized for lifting, but the negative pressure continues to act on the suction means making it difficult to detach
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is actuated in advance to open the air supply duct before the suction means is fully detached from the goods surface. This preliminary action allows negative pressure to be equalized with environmental pressure, removing the suction force that would otherwise prevent easy detachment. The control unit coordinates this timing to ensure smooth transition from lifting to detachment phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply duct acts as an intermediary channel that introduces environmental air into the suction hose. By controlling the opening of this duct through the valve device, the system can selectively equalize pressure between the suction chamber and environment, thereby controlling the detachment process without direct mechanical intervention.
2Force
If the negative pressure in the suction hose is maintained high, then the lifting force is maximized, but the suction means cannot be easily lifted off the goods surface
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the negative pressure level in the suction hose based on the operational phase. During lifting, high negative pressure is maintained to maximize adhesion to the goods surface. During detachment, the valve device opens the air supply duct to rapidly equalize pressure, allowing the suction means to be lifted off smoothly. This dynamic pressure control resolves the contradiction between lifting force and ease of detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit changes the pressure parameter in the suction hose by controlling the valve device. When detachment is required, the air supply duct is opened, allowing atmospheric pressure to equalize with the negative pressure in the suction hose. This parameter change (from high negative pressure to atmospheric pressure) eliminates the force that prevents detachment, enabling easy lifting while maintaining lifting capability when needed.
3Force
If the air supply duct is completely closed, then negative pressure is maximized for lifting, but the suction means cannot be vented to facilitate detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is designed to open the air supply duct in advance of the detachment phase. This preliminary opening allows the system to transition from a closed high-negative-pressure state to an open equalization state, enabling both effective lifting (when closed) and easy venting (when opened) without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply duct serves as an intermediary that provides a controlled pathway for atmospheric air to enter the suction hose. When the valve device opens this duct, it creates a direct communication channel between the environment and the suction chamber, allowing rapid pressure equalization and venting to facilitate detachment while maintaining the ability to seal and build negative pressure when the duct is closed.
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 solution allows for easier and more controlled lifting of the suction means from the transported goods, preventing jerky movements and ensuring the suction means can be lifted off the surface efficiently, even when dealing with smooth or closed-surface goods.
Implementation Method 1
the valve device is designed to control a free cross-section of an air supply duct, which enables supply air to be supplied from the environment into the suction hose that can be subjected to negative pressure, in order to equalize at least partial pressure between the suction hose and the environment
Implementation Method 2
the suction hose that can be subjected to negative pressure by appropriate activation of the valve device
Implementation Method 3
the application of negative pressure to the suction hose also leads to an application of negative pressure to the fluid chamber and thus to the exertion of a suction force on the goods to be transported. The negative pressure also acts on the suction hose and leads to a negative pressure-related length contraction of the suction hose, which results in a lifting movement for the transported goods
Implementation Method 4
a fluid chamber formed by the suction means and the surface of the goods to be transported can be brought into communicating connection with the suction hose that can be subjected to negative pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The lifter (10) has a length-adjustable suction tube (11) defining a suction line between a suction unit (12) e.g. individual suction table, and a vacuum connection (17). A valve device adjusts vacuum in the suction tube and interferes a free flow cross-section of the suction line in a pipe section. The suction line extends between the vacuum connection and a mouth opening (19). The valve device is brought into a locking position for discontinuing the pipe section independent of contact of the suction unit with transport goods surface (14). An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a vacuum lifter.