Vortex Suction Device With Elastomeric Friction Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for lifting and positioning objects, such as suction cups and vortex attractors, face challenges with geometrically deformed, rough, oily, or dirty objects, leading to relative movement and inaccurate positioning due to insufficient friction and instability during movement.
Innovation Solution
A device with a friction element that increases friction between the object and the device, designed to minimize interference with negative pressure formation, featuring an elastic, axially symmetrical or point-symmetrical geometry, and a three-dimensional structure with structural elements like ribs and dents, and adjustable friction elements to accommodate different objects and surface structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If suction cups are used for geometrically deformed, rough, oily, or dirty objects, then the suction cups can hold the object, but the objects may briefly lose contact and fall off due to insufficient friction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines two previously separate functions into a single integrated device: a vortex attractor for generating negative pressure and a friction element for increasing friction. This merged device simultaneously provides both suction and friction forces, ensuring reliable object holding without contact loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element is made of elastomeric material with specific friction properties, creating a composite structure that combines the suction function (through the vortex attractor) and the friction function (through the elastomeric surface). This composite approach allows the device to handle challenging surface types effectively.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If friction element covers large area of suction opening, then friction increases, but negative pressure formation is significantly impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is designed with specific geometric characteristics (height less than 4% of suction opening diameter, covering less than 60% of the area) to provide friction locally without significantly blocking the suction opening. This local quality approach allows both friction and negative pressure formation to coexist effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters of the friction element: height (less than 4% of suction opening diameter), area coverage (less than 60%), and material properties (elastomeric with specific friction coefficient). These parameter changes enable the friction element to increase friction while minimizing interference with negative pressure formation.
3Ease of manufacture
If rigid friction element is used, then manufacturing is simple, but contact with geometrically deformed, uneven, rough or dirty objects is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The friction element is made of elastomeric material, providing flexibility and adaptability to contact with geometrically deformed, uneven, rough, or dirty objects. The elastomeric nature allows the friction element to conform to various surface geometries while maintaining friction contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction element is designed to be movable relative to the suction opening, allowing it to adapt dynamically to different object geometries. This dynamic capability enables the device to maintain effective contact with various surface types while the elastomeric material provides the necessary compliance.
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 device ensures precise positioning and control of objects by maintaining contact and preventing undesired relative movement, even with challenging surface types, through enhanced friction and adaptable negative pressure regulation.
Implementation Method 1
first means (2) for generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind for sucking in an object
Implementation Method 2
generating a negative pressure by means of a whirlwind
Implementation Method 3
at least one friction element (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) is arranged in front of the suction opening (4)
Data Source
Figure 1~4b
Figure 5~11
Figure 12~16
AI summary
The invention relates to a device 10 for lifting and positioning an object, wherein the device has first means 2 for generating a vacuum by means of a whirlwind for suctioning the object, wherein the first means are arranged within a housing 3 which has a suction opening 4, wherein the whirlwind generates a vacuum from the suction opening and wherein the device has second means for varying the vacuum in front of the suction opening.