Vortex Suction Device for Flat Object Conveyance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyance systems face challenges in securely transporting flat and lightweight objects, as they can be easily blown off by ambient air streams, and stacked objects are difficult to handle due to static and frictional forces, especially with heavy or glossy media.
Innovation Solution
A suctioning and conveying system utilizing a vortex suction device with an impeller generating a whirlwind to attract and convey objects, featuring an adjustable angle and integrated motor for compactness and efficiency, allowing for flexible object handling and separation from stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction drives (belts or rollers) are used to convey objects, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but flat and lightweight objects cannot be securely transported as they are easily blown off by ambient air streams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using a suction device with a plenum chamber and openings to generate suction force that adheres flat and lightweight objects to the conveying surface. This pneumatic adhesion mechanism prevents objects from being blown off by ambient air streams while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of air pressure by creating a low-pressure region through the suction device. This pressure differential generates the adhesive force needed to securely hold flat and lightweight objects during conveyance without requiring complex mechanical structures
2Ease of operation
If conventional conveyors are used for stacked objects, then the system structure is simple, but static and frictional forces make it difficult to smoothly move the top object from the stack
Solution Approach 1:
The suction device uses pneumatic force to lift the top object from the stack by creating adhesive attraction between the object and the plenum chamber. This overcomes static and frictional forces that prevent smooth separation, enabling easy handling of stacked objects including heavy or glossy media
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device applies preliminary suction force to the top object before conventional conveying begins. This preliminary action separates the object from the stack by overcoming adhesion forces, preparing it for smooth subsequent conveyance without operational difficulties
3Reliability
If suction tables with large plenum chambers are used to adhere objects, then objects can be securely held, but the device requires large space and complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the suction function into multiple distributed openings in the plenum chamber rather than using a single large suction area. This segmentation allows effective object adhesion while reducing the overall device size and eliminating the need for complex control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The suction device is designed to self-regulate through the distributed openings in the plenum chamber, which naturally distribute the suction force across the object surface. This self-service mechanism maintains reliable adhesion without requiring external control systems or complex regulation mechanisms
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 effectively secures and transports objects over larger distances with reduced deformation and adhesion issues, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution for various object types, including heavy and glossy media.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller including a plurality of radial blades extending in a direction of the rotation axis is provided to generate a vortex flow. The vortex flow provides a central negative low pressure region which can be used to attract an object.
Implementation Method 2
first means for generating a low pressure induced by a whirlwind for sucking in the object
Data Source
Figure 1a~2b
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention refers to a suctioning and conveying system for suctioning and conveying an object comprising first means for generating a low pressure induced by a whirlwind for sucking in the object, the whirlwind having an axis of rotation, wherein the system comprises second means for conveying the suctioned object along a transfer path transverse to the axis of rotation of the whirlwind, wherein the first means is designed as a vortex suction unit which includes an upper vortex generator driven by a motor, the upper vortex generator including a base (18) concentrically driven by the motor and a plurality of blades (14) radially disposed on the base and extending perpendicularly upwards therefrom, the vortex suction unit further comprising a housing (30) surrounding the peripheral edge of the base and blades and being formed integrally with the base.