Vacuum Pressure Feeding System with Backup Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pressure supply systems for robot hands are prone to disrupting vacuum pressure, causing workpieces to fall and potentially be damaged when the vacuum pressure supply is interrupted.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pressure supply system with a first vacuum pressure supply path connected to a vacuum source, a tank for storing vacuum pressure, and a second vacuum pressure supply path branching off from the first, equipped with solenoid valves to control the flow of vacuum pressure from both the source and the tank to the holding unit, ensuring stable object retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vacuum pressure is supplied only from the vacuum source to the holding unit, then the system structure is simple, but the holding stability deteriorates when vacuum supply is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The tank stores vacuum pressure in advance before it is needed. When the vacuum source is operating normally, vacuum pressure is stored in the tank. When the vacuum source fails or supply is disrupted, the pre-stored vacuum pressure in the tank is released to maintain holding stability, preventing workpiece drop.
Solution Approach 2:
The tank acts as an intermediary between the vacuum source and the holding unit. Instead of directly connecting the vacuum source to the holding unit, the vacuum pressure flows through the tank which can buffer and regulate the supply, providing stability even when the source fluctuates or fails.
2Reliability
If a tank is added to store vacuum pressure, then the holding stability improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank serves multiple functions: it stores vacuum pressure for backup supply, buffers pressure fluctuations from the vacuum source, and can be integrated with the existing vacuum supply pathway. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits from a single addition.
3Reliability
If vacuum pressure is continuously supplied from the vacuum source, then the holding stability is maintained, but the response time when supply is disrupted increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tank stores vacuum pressure in advance during normal operation. When disruption occurs, the pre-stored pressure provides immediate backup supply without waiting for the vacuum source to recover or for a new supply cycle to begin, thus reducing response time and maintaining holding stability.
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
The system ensures stable holding of objects by rapidly supplying vacuum pressure from the source and utilizing stored pressure when the source fails, preventing object drop and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pressure supply system including: a first vacuum pressure supply path configured to allow a vacuum pressure to be supplied from a vacuum source to a holding unit configured to hold an object using the vacuum pressure
Implementation Method 2
a tank configured to store the vacuum pressure
Implementation Method 3
a first solenoid valve provided on the second vacuum pressure supply path
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum pressure feeding system is provided with a first vacuum pressure feeding path for feeding vacuum pressure from a vacuum source to a holder for holding an object using the vacuum pressure, a tank for storing vacuum pressure, a second vacuum pressure feeding path branching from partway along the first vacuum pressure feeding path and connecting to the tank, and a first electromagnetic valve provided on the second vacuum pressure feeding path.