U.S. patent application number 12/959242 was filed with the patent office on 2011-10-27 for suction device.
This patent application is currently assigned to INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE. Invention is credited to Yu-Mei Chen, Yeou-Bin Guu, Bin-Ru She.
Application Number | 20110262286 12/959242 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44815951 |
Filed Date | 2011-10-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110262286 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
She; Bin-Ru ; et
al. |
October 27, 2011 |
SUCTION DEVICE
Abstract
A suction device comprises a first element, a second element,
and an intermediate element. The first element comprises a first
control volume having a first pressure. The second element
comprises a second control volume having a second pressure. The
intermediate element is controlled by the first pressure of the
first control volume of the first element and the second pressure
of the second control volume of the second element. When the first
control volume of the first element is varied, the varied first
control volume of the first element can substantially have the
first pressure under automatic pressure compensation by the second
pressure of the second control volume of the second element via the
intermediate element.
Inventors: |
She; Bin-Ru; (Hsinchu
County, TW) ; Guu; Yeou-Bin; (Taichung City, TW)
; Chen; Yu-Mei; (Taichung City, TW) |
Assignee: |
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH
INSTITUTE
HSINCHU
TW
|
Family ID: |
44815951 |
Appl. No.: |
12/959242 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
417/213 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 1/0068 20140204;
A61M 1/0031 20130101; A61M 1/08 20130101; A61M 1/0003 20130101;
A61M 1/0005 20130101; A61M 1/0088 20130101; A61M 1/0009 20130101;
A61M 1/0066 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
417/213 |
International
Class: |
F04B 49/00 20060101
F04B049/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 26, 2010 |
TW |
TW99113019 |
Claims
1. A suction device, comprising: a first element, comprising a
first control volume having a first pressure; a second element,
comprising a second control volume having a second pressure; and an
intermediate element, controlled by the first pressure of the first
control volume in the first element and the second pressure of the
second control volume in the second element, wherein when the first
control volume of the first element is varied to a varied first
control volume, automatic pressure compensation happens on the
varied first control volume according to the second pressure of the
second control volume in the second element via the intermediate
element, so that the varied first control volume of the first
element has the first pressure, substantially.
2. The suction device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ratio of
the first pressure of the first control volume in the first element
to the second pressure of the second control volume in the second
element is a predetermined ratio, and the second control volume of
the second element is varied to a varied second control volume
after the automatic pressure compensation, and the predetermined
ratio of the first pressure of the varied first control volume in
the first element to the second pressure of the varied second
control volume in the second element is maintained.
3. The suction device as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a
suction plate, communicated with the first control volume or the
varied first control volume of the first element, wherein the first
pressure of the first control volume in the first element or the
first pressure of the varied first control volume in the first
element produces a suction action on an object via the suction
plate.
4. A suction device, comprising: a first element, comprising a
first container; a second element, comprising a second container;
and an intermediate element, comprising a first action end and a
second action end, wherein the first action end and the second
action end are disposed in the first container and the second
container, respectively, wherein when the second element is moved
relatively to the first element, a first control volume is formed
in the first container between an end of the first element and the
first action end of the intermediate element, and a second control
volume is formed in the second container between an end of the
second element and the second action end of the intermediate
element, wherein the first control volume in the first container of
the first element has a first pressure, the second control volume
in the second container of the second element has a second
pressure, and the ratio of the first pressure to the second
pressure is a predetermined ratio, and when one of the second
control volume in the second container of the second element and
the first control volume in the first container of the first
element is varied, automatic pressure compensation happens on the
other one of the second control volume in the second container of
the second element and the first control volume in the first
container of the first element, so that the varied first control
volume in the first container of the first element has the first
pressure, the varied second control volume in the second container
of the second element has the second pressure, and the
predetermined ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure is
maintained.
5. The suction device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the
predetermined ratio is the ratio of a second sectional area of the
second action end of the intermediate element to a first sectional
area of the first action end of the intermediate element.
6. The suction device as claimed in claim 4, further comprising: a
suction plate, communicated with the first container of the first
element or the second container of the second element, wherein the
first pressure of the first control volume or the varied first
control volume in the first container of the first element or the
second pressure of the second control volume or the varied second
control volume in the second container of the second element
produces a suction action on an object via the suction plate.
7. A suction device, comprising: a first element, comprising a
first container; a second element, comprising a second container
communicated with the first container of the first element; and an
intermediate element, comprising a first action end and a second
action end, wherein the first action end and the second action end
are disposed in the first container and the second container,
respectively, wherein when the second element is moved relatively
to the first element, a first control volume is formed in the first
container between an end of the first element and the first action
end of the intermediate element, and a second control volume is
formed in the second container between an end of the second element
and the second action end of the intermediate element, wherein the
first control volume in the first container of the first element
has a first pressure, the second control volume in the second
container of the second element has a second pressure, and the
ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure is a
predetermined ratio, and when the second control volume in the
second container of the second element is varied, automatic
pressure compensation happens on the first control volume in the
first container of the first element, so that a varied first
control volume in the first container of the first element has the
first pressure, a varied second control volume in the second
container of the second element has the second pressure, and the
predetermined ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure is
maintained.
8. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the
predetermined ratio is the ratio of a second sectional area of the
second action end of the intermediate element to a first sectional
area of the first action end of the intermediate element.
9. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising: a
suction plate, communicated with the first control volume in the
first container of the first element, wherein the first pressure of
the first control volume in the first container of the first
element produces a suction action on an object via the suction
plate.
10. The suction device as claimed in claim 9, further comprising: a
valve element, disposed between the first control volume of the
first container of the first element and the suction plate.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This Application claims priority of Taiwan Patent
Application No. 099113019, filed on Apr. 26, 2010, the entirety of
which is incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention is related to a suction device, especially to
a predetermined-pressure suction device which can form a blister on
human skin.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The inner layer of human skin is dermis consisting of skin
appendages such as hair follicles, sebaceous glands, nerves, blood
vessels, sweat glands, lymphatic vessels, and fibroblasts which
secrete collagen and elastin. The outer layer of the skin is
epidermis composed of keratinocytes at different differentiation
stages. A basal cell layer is located between the epidermis and
dermis. When stress such as friction, heat, or negative pressure is
applied on the skin a blister may form which is characterized by
tissue fluid built between the epidermis and dermis. A blister can
be induced on purpose for medical applications including extracting
the blister fluid for biochemical analyses, obtaining the blister
roof for an epidermal graft, isolating cells from blister roof for
cell therapy, or administering medicines directly on the dermis. A
common way to induce a blister with negative pressure (so-called
"suction-blistering") is covering the skin with a suction vessel
and then applying a predetermined negative pressure (generally
150-400 mmHg, for example) until the blister is formed (about 1 to
4 hours). During the procedure of generating negative pressure, all
of the openings of the suction vessel should be closed, and the
appliance for generating negative pressure is switched on until the
pressure in the suction vessel reaches a predetermined level. Then,
the negative pressure-generating appliance may be turned off or
left on until the blister forms within the suction plate (the part
that directly attaches to the skin). However, a little amount of
air may leak into the suction vessel, reducing the negative
pressure, because of the unstable sealing between the suction plate
and the skin. Therefore, if the negative pressure-generating
appliance is switched off, a pressure gauge is usually connected to
the suction vessel for frequent monitoring of the pressure. When
reduction of negative pressure is detected, the negative-pressure
generating appliance is switched on again to regain the pressure.
Without frequent checking at the pressure gauge, leakage will not
be detected until hours later when the blister fails to form. Note
that adding the pressure gauge increases costs and manual checking
and adjusting pressure consumes additional labor. If the
negative-pressure generating appliance (an air-extracting motor,
for example) is left on continuously a constant pressure can be
automatically maintained for hours. However, with the appliance
running for hours, the noise can be annoying, the energy
consumption is high, and the wear and the occupancy of the
appliance are high, which are disadvantages.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The suction device of the invention can be applied to
blister formation on a skin surface, negative pressure wound
therapy, cupping therapy, blood drawing, biopsy, and drawing fluid
of a human body from a skin surface (for example, milk, pus, and
wound discharge). In addition to being inexpensive, having a simple
structure, being easy to operate, being disposable, and not
requiring power, the suction device of the invention can
automatically adjust the negative pressure to the predetermined
level in case of a little air leakage.
[0007] The suction device of the invention includes a first
element, a second element, and an intermediate element. The first
element includes a first control volume having a first pressure.
The second element includes a second control volume having a second
pressure. The intermediate element is controlled by the first
pressure of the first control volume in the first element and the
second pressure of the second control volume in the second element.
When the first control volume of the first element is varied to a
varied first control volume, automatic pressure compensation on the
varied first control volume happens according to the second
pressure of the second control volume in the second element via the
intermediate element, so that the varied first control volume of
the first element has the first pressure, substantially.
[0008] The ratio of the first pressure of the first control volume
in the first element to the second pressure of the second control
volume in the second element is a predetermined ratio. The second
control volume of the second element is varied to a varied second
control volume after the automatic pressure compensation, and the
predetermined ratio of the first pressure of the varied first
control volume in the first element to the second pressure of the
varied second control volume in the second element is
maintained.
[0009] The suction device of the invention further includes a
suction plate, communicated with the first control volume or the
varied first control volume of the first element. The first
pressure of the first control volume in the first element or the
first pressure of the varied first control volume in the first
element produces a suction action on an object via the suction
plate.
[0010] The present invention further provides a suction device. The
suction device includes a first element, a second element, and an
intermediate element. The first element includes a first container.
The second element includes a second container. The intermediate
element includes a first action end and a second action end, both
of which are disposed in the first container and the second
container, respectively. When the second element is moved
relatively to the first element, a first control volume is formed
in the first container between an end of the first element and the
first action end of the intermediate element, and a second control
volume is formed in the second container between an end of the
second element and the second action end of the intermediate
element. The first control volume in the first container of the
first element has a first pressure, the second control volume in
the second container of the second element has a second pressure,
and the ratio of the first pressure to the second pressure is a
predetermined ratio. When one of the second control volume in the
second container of the second element and the first control volume
in the first container of the first element is varied, automatic
pressure compensation happens on the other one. Therefore, the
varied first control volume in the first container of the first
element has the first pressure, the varied second control volume in
the second container of the second element has the second pressure,
and the predetermined ratio of the first pressure to the second
pressure is maintained.
[0011] The predetermined ratio is the ratio of a second sectional
area of the second action end of the intermediate element to a
first sectional area of the first action end of the intermediate
element.
[0012] The suction device further includes a suction plate,
communicated with the first container of the first element or the
second container of the second element. The first pressure of the
first control volume or the varied first control volume in the
first container of the first element or the second pressure of the
second control volume or the varied second control volume in the
second container of the second element produces a suction action on
an object via the suction plate.
[0013] The present invention further provides a suction device. The
suction device includes a first element, a second element, and an
intermediate element. The first element includes a first container.
The second element includes a second container communicated with
the first container of the first element. The intermediate element
includes a first action end and a second action end, both of which
are disposed in the first container and the second container,
respectively. When the second element is moved relatively to the
first element, a first control volume is formed in the first
container between an end of the first element and the first action
end of the intermediate element, and a second control volume is
formed in the second container between an end of the second element
and the second action end of the intermediate element. The first
control volume in the first container of the first element has a
first pressure, the second control volume in the second container
of the second element has a second pressure, and the ratio of the
first pressure to the second pressure is a predetermined ratio.
When the second control volume in the second container of the
second element is varied, automatic pressure compensation happens
on the first control volume in the first container of the first
element. Therefore, a varied first control volume in the first
container of the first element has the first pressure, a varied
second control volume in the second container of the second element
has the second pressure, and the predetermined ratio of the first
pressure to the second pressure is maintained.
[0014] The predetermined ratio described above is the ratio of a
second sectional area of the second action end of the intermediate
element to a first sectional area of the first action end of the
intermediate element.
[0015] The suction device of the invention further includes a
suction plate and a valve element. The valve element is disposed
between the first control volume of the first container of the
first element and the suction plate. The suction plate is
communicated with the first control volume in the first container
of the first element. The first pressure of the first control
volume in the first container of the first element produces a
suction action on an object via the suction plate.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The present invention can be more fully understood by
reading the subsequent detailed description and examples with
references made to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A is a schematic view illustrating a suction device in
accordance with a first embodiment of the invention.
[0018] FIG. 1B is an exploded view illustrating the suction device
of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are views illustrating a process for
producing a negative pressure between the second element 2a and the
intermediate element.
[0020] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are views illustrating a process of
forming a bulge on an object with the suction device of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4A is a section view which is cut from the engaging
structure L of the suction device of the invention along a line a-a
in FIG. 3B during the assembly procedure.
[0022] FIG. 4B is a section view which is cut from the engaging
structure L of the suction device Ma of the invention along a line
b-b in FIG. 3C after the assembly procedure.
[0023] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views illustrating a process of
forming a bulge on an object with the suction device of the
invention.
[0024] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are views illustrating a process of
forming a bulge on an object with the suction device of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a suction device which is a
variation in accordance with the suction device of the first
embodiment in the invention.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a suction device in accordance
with a second embodiment of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The following description is of the best-contemplated mode
of carrying out the invention. This description is made for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention and
should not be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention
is best determined by reference to the appended claims.
[0028] The suction device of the invention can generate a pressure
(for example, a negative pressure) on a surface of an object (for
example, human skin), and then, by the pressure, suck the surface
of the object to achieve a particular effect (for example, forming
a blister between the epidermis and dermis). To explain the
invention easily, the structure of the elements concerned with the
suction device of the invention in the drawings are presented in a
cross-section view, and the related operation proceeds in the
environment set to one atmosphere (1 ATM). It is noted that
although the operation environment in the following embodiments is
set to one atmosphere, people who are skilled in the art should
know that there are different pressure conditions in different
environments and the environment should not be limited to one
atmosphere.
[0029] FIG. 1A is a schematic view illustrating a suction device Ma
in an initiate state in accordance with a first embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 1B is an exploded view illustrating the suction
device Ma of FIG. 1A.
[0030] As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the suction device Ma
includes a first element 1a, a second element 2a, an intermediate
element T, a suction plate 3, a valve element 4, and a cover 5.
[0031] The first element 1a includes a first body 10a, a first
opening 101, a second opening 102, and a plurality of first flanges
10f. The first body 10a is provided with a first container 100, a
first end 10e1, a second end 10e2, two bottoms 100b1, 100b2, and a
hollow cylinder with an inner diameter D1. The first opening 101
and the second opening 102 are formed at the first end 10e1 and the
second end 10e2 of the first body 10a, respectively, communicated
with the first container 100. A plurality of the first flanges 10f
are disposed on the first body 10a, adjoining the second opening
102.
[0032] The second element 2a includes a second body 20a, an opening
201, and a plurality of second flanges 20f. The second body 20a is
provided with a second container 200, a first end 20e1, a second
end 20e2 (a closed end), and a hollow cylinder with an inner
diameter D2. The second end 20e2 is a closed end. The opening 201
is formed at the first end 20e1 of the second body 20a,
communicated with the second container 200. A plurality of the
second flanges 20f are disposed on the second body 20a, adjoining
the opening 201. The inner diameter D2 of the second body 20a of
the second element 2a is smaller than the inner diameter D1 of the
first body 10a of the first element 1a. A plurality of the second
flanges 20f of the second element 2a and a plurality of the first
flanges 10f of the first element 1a constitute an engaging
structure L (the details will be described with FIGS. 3B, 3C, 4A,
and 4B).
[0033] The intermediate element T includes a shaft H0, a first
action end H1 with a first sectional area A1, and a second action
end H2 with a second sectional area A2. The first action end H1 and
the second action end H2 are disposed on the shaft H0, interacting
via the connection of the shaft H0. As shown in FIG. 1A, the first
action end H1 of the intermediate element T is disposed in the
first container 100 via the second opening 102 of the first element
1a, and is contacted with the inner wall 100s of the first body 10a
of the first element 1a in a slidable manner, so that the first
action end H1 of the intermediate element T can be moved back and
forth along the inner wall 100s of the first body 10a of the first
element 1a. On the other hand, the second action end H2 of the
intermediate element T is disposed in the second container 200 via
the opening 201 of the second element 2a, and is contacted with the
inner wall 200s1 of the second body 20a of the second element 2a in
a slidable manner. Also, the first end 20e1 of the second element
2a is installed in the first container 100 of the first body 10a of
the first element 1a via the second opening 102 of the first
element 1a. In this embodiment, the intermediate element T is a
piston element in which the first action end H1 and the second
action end H2 are two piston ends with different sizes. The first
sectional area A1 of the first action end H1 is larger than the
second sectional area A2 of the second action end H2.
[0034] The suction plate 3 is a hollow cylinder structure (for
example, formed by rubber or other soft materials) including a body
30, a ring-like flange 31, a first opening 301, and a second
opening 302. The first opening 301 and the second opening 302 are
formed at two sides of the body 30 respectively. The flange 31 is
disposed on the peripheral of the body 30.
[0035] The valve element 4 including three connection ports 41, 42,
and 43 is disposed between the first element 1a and the suction
plate 3. The valve element 4 is used to control flow of a working
fluid (for example, air) in the first element 1a and the suction
plate 3. The connection ports 41 and 42 are connected to the first
opening 101 of the first element 1a and the second opening 302 of
the suction plate 3, respectively. The cover 5 can be rotated to
open or close the connection port 43 of the valve element 4. In the
embodiment, the valve element 4 is a T type three-direction valve
element.
[0036] Note that for the suction device Ma in an initiate state (as
shown in FIG. 1A), the second action end H2 of the intermediate
element T is moved to the bottom 200b of the second container 200
of the second body 20a of the second element 2a, the first action
end H1 of the intermediate element T is moved to the bottom 100b1
of the first container 100 of the first body 10a of the first
element 1a, and the second container 200 of the second element 2a
is communicated with the first container 100 of the first element
1a.
[0037] FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are views illustrating a process for
producing a negative pressure (for example, one ATM) between the
second element 2a and the intermediate element T.
[0038] As shown in FIG. 2A, the second action end H2 of the
intermediate element T is moved to the bottom of the second
container 200 of the second body 20a along a direction from the
first end 20e1 of the second element 2a to the second end 20e2 of
the second element 2a (namely to the bottom 200b). At this time,
the second action end H2 of the intermediate element T and the
second element 2a are stuck together, and there is no air or just a
little air between them.
[0039] As shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, when a force F1 (a pull force)
is applied to the first action end H1 of the intermediate element
T, the second action end H2 of the intermediate element T is moved
from the second end 20e2 of the second element 2a to the first end
20e1 of the second element 2a at a distance of x1 and x2. At the
time, the second container 200 of the second body 20a of the second
element 2a in FIGS. 2B and 2C will form two different control
volumes CVb and CVc (shown with dotted line), and the two control
volumes CVb and CVc have the same negative pressure (about 1 ATM).
After the first action element H1 of the intermediate element T is
released from the force F1, based on the balance condition under
the negative pressure effect caused by the control volume CVb of
FIG. 2B or the control volume CVc of FIG. 2C, the second action end
H2 of the intermediate element T slides freely toward the second
end 20e2 of the second element 2a, with a force about 1 ATM.
Finally, the intermediate element T returns to the initiate state
shown in FIG. 2A.
[0040] FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D are views illustrating a process
(no air leakage happens between the suction plate 3 and the object
W) of forming a bulge w0 on an object W with the suction device Ma
of the invention.
[0041] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in the case that the connection
port 43 of the valve element 4 is sealed with the cover 5, first,
the first opening 301 of the suction plate 3 faces the object W and
the flange 31 of the suction plate 3 places stress on a particular
location of the object W. A force F2 is used to move the second
element 2a relative to the first element 1a from a first location
r21 to a second location r22, and the resulting negative pressure
causes suction on the object W to form the bulge w0.
[0042] Refer to FIGS. 3B, 3C, 4A, and 4B. FIG. 4A is a section view
which is cut from the engaging structure L of the suction device Ma
of the invention along a line a-a in FIG. 3B during the assembly
procedure. FIG. 4B is a section view which is cut from the engaging
structure L of the suction device Ma of the invention along a line
b-b in FIG. 3C after the assembly procedure.
[0043] It will be understood from the sectional structure of the
first element 1a and the second element 2a shown in FIG. 4A that
the inner wall 100s of the first element 1a is opposite to the
outer wall 200s2 of the second element 2a, a plurality of the first
flanges 10f of the first element 1a are spaced at intervals and
protrude on the inner wall 100s of the first body 10a, and a
plurality of the second flanges 20f of the second element 2a are
spaced at intervals and protrude on the outer wall 200s2 of the
second body 20a. Note that although there are three first flanges
10f and three second flanges 20f in the embodiment, the number of
the flanges of the first element 1a and the second element 2a can
be adjusted randomly and is not limited threreto.
[0044] When the force F2 is used to pull the second element 2a from
the first location r21 to the second location r22, the second
element 2a is moved away from the first element 1a, and the second
element 2a and the first element la are separated slightly (as
shown in FIG. 3B and FIG. 4A). At this time, driven by the second
element 2a simultaneously, the first action end H1 and the second
action end H2 of the intermediate element T form a first control
volume CV1 having a first pressure P1 in the first container 100 of
the first body 10a of the first element 1a and a second control
volume CV2 having a second pressure P2 in the second container 200
of the second body 20a of the second element 2a, respectively. Then
the second element 2a is rotated along a direction R appropriately
so that a plurality of the first flanges 10f of the first element
1a can overlap a plurality of the second flanges 20f of the second
element 2a. After that, the force F2 is released. Under the effect
of the first control volume CV1 having the first pressure P1 and
the second control volume CV2 having the second pressure P2, a
plurality of the first flanges 10f of the first element 1a and a
plurality of the second flanges 20f of the second element 2a press
against each other (as shown in FIG. 3C and FIG. 4B). Thus, the
first control volume CV1 having the first pressure P1 in the first
container 100 of the first body 10a of the first element 1a makes
suction on the object W to form the bulge w0, via the valve element
4 and the suction plate 3. Substantially, when the first element 1a
and the second element 2a achieve pressure balance, the product of
the second pressure P2 of the second control volume CV2 in the
second element 2a and a second sectional area A2 of the second
action end H2 is equal to the product of the first pressure P1 of
the first control volume CV1 in the first element 1a and a first
sectional area A1 of the first action end H1
(P2.times.A2=P1.times.A1). Briefly, when the second pressure P2 of
the second control volume CV2 in the second element 2a and the
first pressure P1 of the first control volume CV1 in the first
element 1a achieve balance T, the first pressure P1 of the first
control volume CV1 in the first element 1a will satisfy the
following equation.
[0045] The first pressure P1 of the first element 1a=-1
atmosphere.times.(the second sectional area A2 of the second action
end H2/the first sectional area A1 of the first action end H1).
[0046] Namely, there is a predetermined ratio between the first
pressure P1 of the first control volume CV1 in the first element 1a
and the second pressure P2 of the second control volume CV2 in the
second element 2a. In the embodiment, the predetermined ratio is
the ratio of the second sectional area A2 of the second action end
H2 to the first sectional area A1 of the first action end H1.
[0047] As shown in FIG. 3D, after the suction process (there is no
air leakage between the suction plate 3 and the object W during the
process) where the suction device Ma is applied on the object W to
form the bulge w0 for a while, the air with a negative pressure
between the suction plate 3 and the first element 1a can be
released if the cover 5 is removed from the connection port 43 of
the valve element 4. Thus, the suction device Ma and the bulge w0
of the object W can be completely separated.
[0048] FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are views illustrating a process (there
is a little air leakage between the suction plate 3 and the object
W during the process and automatic pressure compensation happens)
of forming a bulge w0 on an object W with the suction device Ma of
the invention.
[0049] In the initiate state, the suction device Ma sticks on the
object W (as shown in FIG. 5A). During the suction process applied
to the object W to form the bulge w0 (the second element 2a is
moved from the first location r21 to the second location r22 as
shown in FIG. 5B), if a little air G temporarily leaks into the
space between the suction plate and the object W (for example,
improper fixation of the object or the suction device Ma makes them
fit together imperfectly), the control volume CV1 of the first
element 1a will increase to a varied first control volume CV1'
having a pressure which has decreased. Meanwhile, the second
control volume CV2, in the second element 2a, having the second
pressure 2a becomes a varied second control volume CV2', because
the intermediate element T moves, under automatic pressure
compensation to the first control volume CV1 in the first element
1a. The compensation makes the varied first control volume CV1' in
the first element 1a still have the first pressure P1.
Specifically, because the second pressure P2 of the second control
volume CV2 (or the varied second control volume CV2') is maintained
on the same negative pressure (-1 ATM) during the second action end
H2 of the intermediate element T freely sliding in the second
element 2a (as described in FIGS. 2B and 2C), when automatic
pressure compensation achieves balance, the varied first control
volume CV1' in the first element 1a has a first pressure P1, and
the first pressure P1 of the first control volume CV1' in the first
element 1a over the second pressure P2 of the second control volume
CV2' in the second element 2a still maintains the predetermined
ratio (the second sectional area A2 of the second action end H2
over the first sectional area A1 of the first action end H1). In
other words, when balance is achieved between the first element 1a
and the second element 2a, the first control volume CV1 in the
first element 1a will be added with a first varied volume .DELTA.V1
and become the varied first control volume CV1' (that is, the
varied first control volume CV1' is larger than the first control
volume CV1), and, correspondingly, the second control volume CV2 in
the second element 2a will be subtracted with a second varied
volume .DELTA.V2 and become the varied second control volume CV2'.
The ratio of the first varied volume .DELTA.V1 to the second varied
volume .DELTA.V2 is substantially equal to the ratio of the first
sectional area A1 of the first action end H1 to the second
sectional area A2 of the second action end H2
(.DELTA.V1/.DELTA.V2=A1/A2). The varied control volume CV2' of the
second element 2a has an original pressure value (-1 ATM).
[0050] FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are views illustrating a process
(there is a large amount of air leakage between the suction plate 3
and the object W during the process and the process is reset) of
forming a bulge w0 on an object W with the suction device Ma of the
invention.
[0051] In the initiate state, the suction device Ma sticks on the
object W (as shown in FIG. 6A). During the suction process applied
to the object W to form the bulge w0 (the second element 2a is
moved from the first location r21 to the second location r22 as
shown in FIG. 6B), if a large amount of air G leaks into the space
between the suction plate 3 and the object W, the first control
volume CV1 of the first element 1a will increase greatly and exceed
the load of the volume of the first container 100. Thus, this
condition makes the varied first control volume CV1'' in the first
element 1a not maintain a negative pressure (namely, the bulge w0
of the object W loses exertions of the negative pressure as shown
in FIG. 6C). Note that in the case that the suction plate 3 and the
object W should not need to be separated locally or entirely, the
cover 5 can be removed from the connection port 43 of the valve
element 4 to make the varied control volume CV1'' in the first
element 1a be communicated with the outside. Then a force F3 is
used to push the second element 2a toward the first element 1a,
which makes the air in the varied first control volume CV1'' in the
first element 1a be released to the outside via the connection port
43 of the valve element 4. Therefore, the suction device Ma can go
back to the initiate state (as shown in FIG. 6A) and the suction
process of forming a bulge w0 on an object W can be restarted.
[0052] Following, related experimental data will be described. Take
the suction device Ma, as an example.
[0053] It is assumed that the first element 1a and the second
element 2a are two syringes with volume 20 CC and 5 CC,
respectively (both have a location indicating calibration 0) and
the first opening 101 of the first element 1a is connected to a
pressure gauge (not shown in figures) for displaying the pressure
value. The area ratio of the second action end H2 to the first
action end H1 (the second sectional area A2/the first sectional
area A1) is 0.426. Thus, producing a negative pressure of 32.4 cmHg
can be estimated (76 cmHg.times.0.426=32.4 cmHg).
[0054] After the cover 5 is removed from the connection port 43 of
the valve element 4 and the second element 2a is pushed to the
bottom 100b1 of the first element la to release the inner air, the
connection port 43 of the valve element 4 is sealed again with the
cover 5. At this time, the second action end H2 is located at
calibration 0 of the second element 2a; the first action end H1 is
located at calibration 0 of the first element 1a; and the pressure
gauge displays that the negative pressure value of the first
opening 101 of the first element 1a is zero.
[0055] When the engage structure L is used to position the second
element 2a on the first element 1a (as shown in FIG. 3C), the
second action end H2 is located at calibration 5.5 of the second
element 2a, the first action end H1 is located at calibration 1.8
of the first element 1a, and the pressure gauge displays that the
negative pressure value of the first control volume CV1 of the
first element 1a (or the first opening 101 of the first element 1a)
is -32 cmHg (close to the estimated negative pressure value). When
a little air leaks into the first opening 101 of the first element
1a (as shown in FIG. 5C), the intermediate element T will
automatically move toward the second end 20e2 of the second element
2a. When balance is achieved, the second action end H2 is located
at calibration 4.4 of the second element 2a, the first action end
H1 is located at calibration 4.5 of the first element 1a, and the
pressure gauge displays that the negative pressure value of the
first control volume CV1' of the first element 1a is still -32
cmHg. When a little air leaks into the first opening 101 of the
first element la again, the intermediate element T will
automatically move further toward the second end 20e2 of the second
element 2a. When balance is achieved, the second action end H2 is
located at calibration 2.7 of the second element 2a, the first
action end H1 is located at calibration 8.6 of the first element
1a, and the pressure gauge displays that the negative pressure
value of the first control volume CV1'' of the first element 1a is
still -32 cmHg.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a view illustrating a suction device Ma' which is
a variation in accordance with the suction device Ma of the first
embodiment in the invention.
[0057] The main difference between the suction device Ma' and the
suction device Ma of the first embodiment is that a latch structure
6 in the suction device Ma' replaces the engage structure L in the
suction device Ma. When a force F2 pulls the second element 2a to
move away from the first element 1a and the second element 2a and
first element 1a is separated slightly (similar to the operation of
FIG. 3B), the latch structure 6 is used to buckle the second
element 2a on the first element 1a. The operation of the other
elements of the suction device Ma' is equal to that of the other
elements of the suction device Ma of the first embodiment, and are
not described again.
[0058] FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a suction device Mb in
accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.
[0059] The main difference between the suction device Mb of the
second embodiment and the suction device Ma of the first embodiment
is that the suction device Mb of the second embodiment is the
suction device Ma of the first embodiment, used inversely.
[0060] The suction device Mb includes a first element 1b, a second
element 2b, an intermediate element T, a suction plate 3, a valve
element 4, and a cover 5.
[0061] The first element 1b includes a first body 10b, an opening
102', and a plurality of first flanges 10f. The first body 10b is a
hollow cylinder provided with a first container 100, a first end
10e1, a second end 10e2, and two bottoms 100b1, 100b2. The opening
102' is formed at the second end 10e2 of the first body 10b, and
communicated with the first container 100. A plurality of the first
flanges 10f are disposed on the first body 10b, adjoining the
opening 102'.
[0062] The second element 2b includes a second body 20b, a first
opening 201', a second opening 202', and a plurality of second
flanges 20f. The second body 20b is a hollow cylinder provided with
a second container 200, a first end 20e1, and a second end 20e2.
The first opening 201' and the second opening 202' are formed at
the first end 20e1 and the second end 20e2 of the second body 20b
respectively, communicated with the second container 200. A
plurality of the second flanges 20f are disposed on the second body
20a, adjoining the first opening 201'. The inner diameter D2 of the
second body 20a of the second element 2a is smaller than the inner
diameter D1 of the first body 10a of the first element 1a. A
plurality of the second flanges 20f are disposed on the second body
20b, adjoining the first opening 201'.
[0063] The intermediate element T includes a shaft H0, a first
action end H1 with a first sectional area A1, and a second action
end H2 with a second sectional area A2. The first action end H1 and
the second action end H2 are disposed on the shaft H0, interacting
via the connection of the shaft H0. On the other hand, the second
action end H2 of the intermediate element T is disposed in the
second container 200 via the opening 201' of the second element 2b,
and is contacted with the inner wall 200s1 of the second body 20b
of the second element 2b in a slidable manner. Also, the first end
20e1 of the second element 2b is inserted in the first container
100 of the first body 10b of the first element 1b via the second
opening 102' of the first element 1b.
[0064] The valve element 4 including three connection ports 41, 42,
and 43 is disposed between the second element 2b and the suction
plate 3. The valve element 4 is used to control flow of a working
fluid (for example, air) in the second element 2b and the suction
plate 3. The connection ports 41 and 42 are connected to the second
opening 202' of the second element 2b and the second opening 302 of
the suction plate 3, respectively. The connection port 43 of the
valve element 4 is sealed with the cover 5.
[0065] When a force pulls the first element 1b to move away from
the second element 2b, the first action end H1 and the second
action end H2 of the intermediate element T are simultaneously
driven by the first element 1b, so that a first control volume CV1
having a first pressure P1 and a second control volume CV2 having a
second pressure P2 are generated in the first container 100 of the
first body 10b of the first element 1b and in the second container
200 of the second body 20b of the second element 2b, respectively.
Thus, the second control volume CV2 having the second pressure P2
in the second element 2b can be used to produce a suction action on
an object W to form a bulge w0. When a little air G leaks into the
space between the suction plate 3 and the object W temporally, the
second control volume CV2 of the second element 2b increases and
the pressure of the second control volume CV2 of the second element
2b decrease. At this time, automatic pressure compensation on the
second control volume CV2 of the second element 2b according to the
first control volume CV1 having the first pressure P1 in the first
element 1b via the movement of the intermediate element T.
Therefore, a varied second control volume of the second element 2b
still has the second pressure P2, which can continue the suction
action on the object W to form the bulge w0.
[0066] While the invention has been described by way of example and
in terms of the preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that
the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. To the
contrary, it is intended to cover various modifications and similar
arrangements (as would be apparent to those skilled in the art).
Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should be accorded the
broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications
and similar arrangements.
* * * * *