Vacuum Holding Mechanism with Elastic Gap Sealing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional workpiece fixation methods struggle with proper suction due to gaps between the suction stage and the workpiece, especially when dealing with varying sizes, thicknesses, surface irregularities, and warpage, leading to inefficient vacuum suction.
Innovation Solution
A holding mechanism incorporating a suction section with an elastic seal member and a clamp mechanism, where the elastic seal member is positioned to be hidden by the workpiece and the clamp presses the workpiece against the seal member during suction, ensuring contact and preventing gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional vacuum suction is used without additional sealing, then the structure is simple, but gaps occur between the suction stage and workpiece causing improper suction
Solution Approach 1:
An elastic seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the suction stage and the workpiece. This seal member fills the gap and ensures reliable vacuum suction by preventing air leakage, while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic seal member is made of flexible material that can deform to adapt to the workpiece surface. This flexibility allows the seal to maintain contact with the workpiece even when there are surface irregularities or warpage, ensuring reliable suction without complex rigid sealing structures.
2Reliability
If the workpiece is pressed firmly against the suction stage, then suction is improved, but the workpiece may be damaged or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic seal member deforms to fill gaps and adapt to workpiece surface variations, providing effective sealing without requiring excessive clamping force that could damage the workpiece.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic properties of the seal member allow it to change its physical state (deformation) to achieve sealing, rather than relying on high mechanical force that could harm the workpiece.
3Reliability
If the clamp presses the workpiece to eliminate gaps, then suction is improved, but the clamp mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic seal member serves as a mediator that passively fills gaps between the suction stage and workpiece, eliminating the need for complex active clamp mechanisms while ensuring reliable suction.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic seal member automatically deforms and adapts to fill gaps when the workpiece is placed on the suction stage, providing self-sealing functionality without requiring additional actuation or complex control mechanisms.
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 configuration ensures reliable vacuum suction of various workpieces by eliminating gaps and enhancing the stability of the suction process.
Implementation Method 1
a suction section 21 having a suction surface 24 on which a workpiece W is to be vacuum-suctioned
Implementation Method 2
an elastic seal member 22 disposed around the suction surface 24
Implementation Method 3
a clamp mechanism 40 that includes a clamp 41 that presses the workpiece W such that the workpiece W comes into contact with the elastic seal member 22
Data Source
AI summary
A holding mechanism includes a suction section, an elastic seal member, and a clamp mechanism. The suction section has a suction surface on which a workpiece is to be vacuum-suctioned. The elastic seal member is disposed around the suction surface such that at least part of the elastic seal member is hidden by the workpiece in plan view when the suction surface is viewed from above. The clamp mechanism includes a clamp that presses the workpiece such that the workpiece comes into contact with the elastic seal member, and drives the clamp to press the workpiece when the workpiece is suctioned by the suction section.