Vacuum Valve Switching Without Compressed Air for Mobile Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum handling devices face challenges with energy-intensive compressed air supplies and lack of individual sensor monitoring for suction gripping devices, making them inefficient and unreliable, especially in mobile applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact valve device with an electrically controllable bistable actuator and check valve for reliable, energy-efficient control of vacuum supply, allowing for fast switching between suction and ventilation positions without the need for compressed air, and incorporating sensors for condition monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If compressed air is used to control the vacuum supply, then the valve device can be actuated reliably, but the energy consumption increases and the device becomes less suitable for mobile applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pneumatic control system (compressed air) with an electrical control system. The valve body is actuated by an electrical motor or solenoid mechanism, eliminating the need for compressed air supply infrastructure while reducing energy consumption and enabling mobile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the existing vacuum pressure differential to assist in valve actuation. The valve body is designed to be moved by the pressure difference between the vacuum side and atmospheric side, with the electrical actuator only需要提供 the force to overcome friction and initiate movement, rather than requiring continuous compressed air supply.
2Device complexity
If only the shared vacuum circuit is monitored, then the monitoring system remains simple, but individual suction gripper malfunctions cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into individual sensor units, with each suction gripper equipped with its own sensor that independently monitors its vacuum level. This segmentation allows identification of which specific gripper is malfunctioning while keeping each sensor unit simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback sensors at each suction gripper that continuously monitor the local vacuum pressure and provide real-time information to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables immediate detection of leaks or malfunctions at the individual gripper level, improving system reliability.
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 solution enables reliable, energy-efficient, and fast control of vacuum supply, ensuring operational reliability and condition monitoring, even in mobile applications, by eliminating the need for compressed air and providing real-time feedback on suction gripping device performance.
Implementation Method 1
The valve device comprises an electromagnetic actuator for driving a displacement movement of the valve body between a suction position and a ventilation position
Implementation Method 2
The check valve is designed and arranged such that it can assume a closed position, in which the vacuum supply opening is covered by the check valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve device (10) for vacuum applications, comprising a valve housing (20) which defines a valve chamber (22), the valve chamber comprising a vacuum supply opening (28), a suction opening (32) and a vent opening (36), a valve body (40) which is arranged in the valve chamber and is displaceable along a switching axis (38) between a suction position and a vent position, wherein the valve body closes the vent opening in the suction position and closes the vacuum supply opening in the vent position, a bistable actuator (50) for driving a displacement movement of the valve body, the actuator comprising an armature (52) connected to the valve body and an electromagnetic coil (54) for driving a displacement movement of the armature, and a check valve (74) for opening and closing the vacuum supply opening (28).The invention also relates to a vacuum handling device (100) comprising a valve device (10).