Vacuum-Assisted Panel Lifter With Rotational Jib and Modular Suction Cups
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panel-lifting devices, such as those for solar panels, lack the ability to rotate or manipulate panels beyond a single degree of freedom, limiting their versatility and efficiency in tasks like installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum-assisted panel lifter with a lifter attachment jib and modular vacuum-assisted lift pad assemblies, utilizing double-acting pneumatic actuators and suction cups to engage panels, allowing for rotational movement and improved manipulation capabilities, integrated with a work vehicle arm for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum lifter is constrained to move in a purely vertical direction, then the structure is simple, but the ability to rotate or manipulate panels is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the lifter structure movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The lifter frame is rotationally mounted to the rotator, allowing it to rotate and change orientation. The double-acting pneumatic actuators enable dynamic positioning of the suction cups, transforming the system from a static vertical-only mover to a dynamic multi-degree-of-freedom manipulator that can rotate and position panels in various orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed suction cups are used on a robotic manipulator, then the structure is simple, but the ability to engage panels at different positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the lifting system into modular components. Instead of a single fixed suction cup assembly, the system uses multiple suction cups (at least three) that can be independently positioned by separate double-acting pneumatic actuators. This segmentation allows each suction cup to be independently controlled to engage panels at different positions and orientations, providing flexibility without requiring a completely complex reconfigurable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction cups are made dynamic through the use of double-acting pneumatic actuators that can move each suction cup independently to various positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt to different panel sizes, shapes, and orientations, enabling flexible engagement while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure.
3Measurement precision
If a double-acting pneumatic actuator is used to displace the suction cup, then the suction cup can engage the panel precisely, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic actuators to achieve precise control of the suction cups. The double-acting pneumatic actuators provide bidirectional control, allowing the suction cups to move precisely to engagement positions and return to retracted positions. This pneumatic system offers precise positioning control through pressure regulation while maintaining relatively simple actuator mechanisms compared to alternative drive systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The double-acting pneumatic actuators serve multiple functions: they extend the suction cup to engage the panel, retract the suction cup to release or reposition, and can be controlled to provide precise positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for different operations, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precision control.
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
Enables efficient lifting, rotation, and manipulation of panels, improving task versatility and safety by providing a robust and adaptable solution for handling solar panels and other panels, with features like adjustable vacuum levels and sensors for precise control.
Implementation Method 1
The double-acting pneumatic actuator furthermore creates a vacuum inside the suction cup when the suction cup engages the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum-assisted panel lifter includes a lifter attachment jib having a proximal end for mounting the vacuum-assisted panel lifter to an arm of a work vehicle and having a distal end that includes a rotator. The lifter includes a lifter frame rotationally mounted to the rotator and a plurality of modular vacuum-assisted lift pad assemblies. Each of the plurality of modular vacuum-assisted lift pad assemblies comprises a suction cup and a double-acting pneumatic actuator to displace the suction cup into engagement with a panel to be lifted. The double-acting pneumatic actuator furthermore creates a vacuum inside the suction cup when the suction cup engages the panel.