Vacuum Locking Cup Positioning With Air Cushion Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual positioning of heavy locking suction cups in horizontal machining centers is cumbersome and requires significant effort, complicates machine operation, and prolongs positioning times due to safety regulations, especially when dealing with large and heavy slabs.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with suction cup ends and a switching valve system that allows for ergonomic and efficient positioning by using air cushion movements, enabling independent operation of suction and release mechanisms for each cup end, reducing manual effort and enabling safe, ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual positioning of locking suction cups is used, then the operator can position the locking elements on the support surface, but the operator requires considerable effort and the positioning process is slow and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by introducing an air cushion between the locking member and the slab-like object. The air supply arrangement delivers air to the operating cavity, creating an air cushion that enables the locking member to float on the support surface during positioning, dramatically reducing friction and manual effort required for movement while maintaining quick positioning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The air cushion acts as an anti-weight mechanism by providing an upward force that counteracts the weight of the locking member. This allows the operator to move the locking member with minimal effort, as the air cushion supports its weight during the positioning phase, eliminating the need to overcome full gravitational force
2Ease of operation
If the support surface is raised above the floor to accommodate the machining center, then the machine can operate, but the operator's movements become uncomfortable and slow due to climbing up and down
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion system allows the locking member to be moved horizontally along the raised support surface with minimal effort. The pneumatic support eliminates the need for the operator to climb up and down frequently, as the air cushion enables easy lateral movement across the elevated platform while maintaining operational speed
3Reliability
If the locking suction cups are made heavy to provide sufficient locking force, then the locking reliability improves, but the manual movement and positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion system decouples the locking force requirement from the movement difficulty. The locking member can be heavy enough to provide sufficient vacuum locking force when engaged, but during positioning, the air cushion supports its weight and eliminates friction, allowing easy movement despite the heavy construction needed for reliable locking
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions dynamically between two states: during positioning, the air cushion provides upward force to facilitate easy movement; during locking, the vacuum system engages to provide strong holding force. This dynamic switching allows the same heavy locking member to be both easy to move and reliable when locked
4Reliability
If the operator must disable moving parts for safety during positioning, then safety regulations are met, but the positioning process takes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The air cushion system enables positioning operations to be performed safely and efficiently. By providing pneumatic support, the system allows the operator to work on the raised support surface without needing to disable moving parts, as the air cushion creates a controlled, stable environment that maintains safety while enabling continuous operation of machine systems
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
Facilitates simple, ergonomic, and efficient relative positioning of locking members and slabs in machining centers, reducing operator effort and positioning time while ensuring safety and versatility in handling heavy objects.
Implementation Method 1
delivering air to the locking member (3) so as to create an air cushion between the locking member (3) and the support surface (P)
Implementation Method 2
suck air from the locking member (3) so as to attach the locking member (3) to the support surface (P)
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device is described for a horizontal machining center with three or more axes comprising a locking member having a suction cup end for attaching to, and detaching from, a slab-like object which comprises a support surface of the machining center, a suction device operably connectable to the locking member for mutually engaging the suction cup end and the slab-like object, and an air supply arrangement operably connectable to the locking member to release air from the suction end to mutually disengage the suction end and the slab-like object and permit relative air-cushioned movement and desired positioning between the locking member and the slab-like object; a method for performing relative positioning between a locking member and a slab-like object is also described.