Vacuum Pickup Plate Control for Precise Placement of Pliable Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated manufacturing of soft goods, such as shoe uppers, faces challenges in precisely picking up and placing pliable items due to difficulties in controlling suction forces, leading to imprecise placement.
Innovation Solution
A system with a vacuum assembly and an item engaging plate, where the plate is positioned by actuators to adjust suction force and distance, allowing for precise pickup and release of items using independently actuated zones and controlled suction force adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a vacuum assembly is used to pick up pliable items, then automated manufacturing is enabled, but precise placement becomes difficult due to inability to control suction force
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging plate is made movable relative to the vacuum assembly through actuators, allowing dynamic adjustment of the distance between the plate and vacuum source. This enables the system to transition between strong suction (when close) and reduced suction (when separated), providing precise control over item pickup and release during automated manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The engaging plate is divided into multiple independently actuated zones, each capable of being positioned separately relative to the vacuum assembly. This segmentation allows different regions of the plate to have different suction forces applied, enabling precise manipulation and placement of pliable items without compromising overall automation
2Reliability
If suction force is increased to securely pick up items, then item pickup reliability improves, but item placement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in releasing
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distance between the engaging plate and vacuum assembly during operation. When pickup is needed, the plate is positioned close to maximize suction force for reliable item acquisition. When placement is needed, the plate is moved away to reduce suction force, enabling precise item release. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between secure pickup and precise placement
3Force
If the engaging plate is positioned close to the vacuum assembly, then suction force is maximized for secure pickup, but control over suction force adjustment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging plate is coupled to actuators that enable precise control of its position relative to the vacuum assembly. By adjusting the plate's distance from the vacuum source, the operator can continuously modulate the suction force applied to items. This provides fine-grained control over pickup and release forces, making the system easier to operate while maintaining strong suction when needed
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 precise placement of pliable items by controlling suction force and position, improving the accuracy and efficiency of automated manufacturing processes for soft goods like shoe uppers.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum assembly capable of applying a suction force to the item
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for picking up and positioning an item includes a vacuum assembly capable of applying a suction force to the item. The apparatus further includes an item engaging plate positioned adjacent the vacuum assembly in a first position for engaging with and picking the item. The engaging plate is moveable to a second position by one or more actuators that reduce a suction force experienced at the engaging plate to deposit or place the item. The one or more fans may additionally be controlled to limit a suction force generated during a disengagement operation where the item is being deposited or placed.