DESC:FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[1] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of industrial tools and equipment, and more particularly, to a device and method for providing integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation for any tooling to perform multiple modes of operations and functions.

BACKGROUND
[2] With advancements and developments across various industries, the utilization of equipment and tools has grown significantly, particularly in fields such as manufacturing, construction, and automation. There is a growing demand for such tools that can perform a diverse range of tasks in minimum time. For instance, an adjustable wrench, which, by design, is adjustable to fit various sizes of nuts and bolts, eliminating the need for multiple wrenches of different sizes.
[3] Similarly, nowadays, the majority of tasks require the use of tools such as pneumatic-based tools and vacuum-based tools to efficiently complete various operations and functions related to the tasks. However, challenges arise when a service or application requires both pneumatic and vacuum-based tools within a single device.
[4] For instance, in robot automation applications, handling tasks with separate robots equipped with their own pneumatic or vacuum end effectors, or using a bulky unit with a tool changer, can increase the cycle time of the task or work. The use of both pneumatic and vacuum tools separately further complicates the workflow.
[5] Moreover, switching manually between these tools not only interrupts the workflow but also reduces overall efficiency. Additionally, managing two distinct tools i.e., one pneumatic and one vacuum increases the weight and complexity of the equipment, posing challenges in terms of mobility and user convenience.
[6] Given the above limitations, there is a need for the development of a system that can provide integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation for any tooling to improve operational efficiency across various tasks in various fields such as manufacturing, construction, or automation.
[7] The above information is presented as background information only to assist with an understanding of the present disclosure. No determination has been made, and no assertion is made, as to whether any of the above might be applicable as prior art with regard to the disclosure.
SUMMARY
[8] This below information is presented to introduce certain objects and aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[9] In view of the shortcomings of the existing systems, there exists a need for the development of a system that can provide integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation of any tooling to improve operational efficiency across various tasks in various fields such as manufacturing, construction, or automation.
[10] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an integrated system that efficiently actuates pneumatic and vacuum tooling function within the same system/device.
[11] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an integrated system that reduces the overall weight of the device while combining pneumatic and vacuum tooling function within the same system/device.
[12] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide an integrated system that reduces the complexities of combining pneumatic and vacuum tooling function within the same system/device. Conventionally, in robotic automation, certain applications that require both pneumatic (fluid-powered) and vacuum (suction-powered) tooling to perform tasks such as gripping, lifting, drilling, or material handling often necessitate tool changes. The robot swaps between pneumatic and vacuum tools depending on the task, which reduces the efficiency and productivity of the system.
[13] In the present disclosure, both pneumatic and vacuum functions are integrated in a single device, enabling performance of multiple tasks without needing to change tools. For example, the same device can grip objects using vacuum suction and drill or dispense fluids using pneumatic actuation.
[14] Additionally, the pneumatic and vacuum tooling can be controlled simultaneously from the same device, resulting in reduced cycle time and increased efficiency.
[15] In the present disclosure, a single communication cable is utilized to actuate both pneumatic and vacuum tooling while also receiving feedback from the sensors connected to them.
[16] Further, a single compressed air tube is employed to actuate both pneumatic and vacuum tooling, which minimizes leakage points, simplifies the system and significantly reduces maintenance costs.
[17] The present disclosure provides a versatile device that has a built-in control system that is designed to work with multiple systems such as robots, gantries, custom machinery, pneumatic tooling, vacuum tooling and with multiple other tooling devices.
[18] In conventional systems, compatibility with multiple communication protocols is often limited or requires additional components. However, the present disclosure provides a device with enhanced interoperability and integration across diverse platforms offering interoperability with diverse communications protocols.
[19] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, an integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device is provided. The device includes a top mounting face and a bottom mounting face adapted to couple with one or more external linkage systems and a hybrid tooling device.
[20] The device further includes a main body that is attached to the top mounting face and the bottom mounting face. The main body includes a motive fluid inlet that is configured to receive compressed fluid or vacuum. The main body further includes a distribution system that includes at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) and at least one vacuum system. The main body further includes at least one control system that includes at least one controller configured to receive/send control signals from/to an external linkage system and provide control signals to the at least one compressed fluid system CFS and the at least one vacuum system. The at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) is configured to receive fluid from the motive fluid inlet. The at least one vacuum system configured to receive vacuum from the compressed fluid system CFS or at least one external vacuum generator.
[21] The main body further includes at least one status indicator that is configured to indicate the status of the device to the user. The main body further includes one or more motive fluid outlets that is configured to release regulated compressed air or vacuum for actuating the hybrid tooling device. The main body further includes one or more sensor ports that are configured to receive feedback from the hybrid tooling device and send to the at least one control system.
[22] In a preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one external linkage systems is a robot/gantry/mechanical linkage system.
[23] In another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) includes one or more CFS control valves that is configured to receive fluid from the motive fluid inlet and control and regulate the pressure, direction and flow of the received fluid. The CFS further includes one or more CFS sensors that is configured to provide status to the at least one control system indicating the flow, pressure or other operational parameters of the fluid in the compressed fluid system (CFS). The CFS further includes one or more compressed air outlets that is configured to release compressed air.
[24] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the CFS further includes a silencer 300 that is adapted to reduce noise produced by exhaust of compressed air.
[25] In another preferred aspect of the present disclosure, the vacuum system includes at least one vacuum junction that is configured to receive control signals from the at least one control system and receive vacuum from the at least one external vacuum generator. The vacuum system further includes at least one internal vacuum generator that is configured to receive control signals from the at least one control system and receive compressed air from the at least one compressed fluid system and generate vacuum. The vacuum system further includes one or more vacuum control valves that can be configured to receive vacuum from the at least one external vacuum generators, provide vacuum to the vacuum junction which is fluid communication to the motive fluid outlet through a set of Vacuum Control Valves.
[26] The vacuum system further includes a silencer that is adapted to reduce the noise produced during generation of vacuum and one or more vacuum sensors configured to provide status to the at least one control system indicating indicate the flow, pressure or other operational parameters of the vacuum in the vacuum system.
[27] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller is an Electrical Control Board (ECB).
[28] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the status indicator includes at least one Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) that is configured to communicate the current state and/or errors in the device.
[29] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is configured to receive communication signal and power from one or more external linkage systems through the I/O connector.
[30] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the hybrid tooling device is configured to be actuated by pneumatic or vacuum actuation mechanisms, robots, gantries, custom machinery, pneumatic tooling, vacuum tooling, and multiple other pneumatic and vacuum actuation devices.
[31] In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the device is adapted to receive/send signals and feedback from/to the hybrid tooling device by an I/O cable.
[32] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a method for actuating a hybrid tool by a pneumatic and vacuum actuation device is provided. The method for actuating a tool by a pneumatic and vacuum actuation device includes receiving control signals from an external linkage system by at least one control system. The method further includes sending control signals by the at least one control system to a compressed fluid system. The method further includes receiving compressed fluid by the compressed fluid system through a motive fluid inlet. The method further includes controlling and regulating the pressure, direction and flow of the received compressed fluid by the compressed fluid system. The method further includes receiving compressed fluid by the vacuum system from the compressed fluid system. The method further includes generating vacuum or receiving vacuum from an external vacuum generator by the vacuum system. The method further includes controlling and regulating the pressure, direction and flow of vacuum by the vacuum system. The method further includes sensing the status of the device by one or more CFS sensors and one or more vacuum sensors. The method further includes sending the status of the device to the at least one control system and a status indicator. The method further includes receiving feedback by one or more sensor ports from the hybrid tooling device and sending to the at least one control system.
[33] Additional aspects will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the presented embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[34] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
[35] Some drawings may indicate the components using block diagrams and may not represent the internal circuitry of each component. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.
[36] Although exemplary connections between sub-components have been shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, that other connections may also be possible, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. All sub-components within a component may be connected to each other, unless otherwise indicated.
[37] FIG.1 is a block diagram illustrating architecture of a device that provides integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation of any tooling, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[38] FIG.2 illustrates a front view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[39] FIG.3 illustrates a back view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[40] FIG.4 illustrates a right view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[41] FIG.5 illustrates a left view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[42] FIG.6 illustrates a top view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[43] FIG.7 illustrates a top perspective view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[44] FIG. 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[45] FIG.9 illustrates another top perspective view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[46] FIG.10 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[47] FIG.11 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[48] FIG.12 illustrates assembly of the device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[49] Fig. 13 illustrates a method for actuating a tool by a pneumatic and vacuum actuation device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[50] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[51] Exemplary embodiments now will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey its scope to those skilled in the art. The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular exemplary embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements.
[52] The specification may refer to “an”, “one” or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations. This does not necessarily imply that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments.
[53] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “include”, “comprises”, “including” and/or “comprising” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may be present. Furthermore, “connected” or “coupled” as used herein may include wirelessly connected or coupled. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations and arrangements of one or more of the associated listed items.
[54] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
[55] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details have been set forth in order to provide a description of the disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that the disclosure may be practiced without these specific details and features.
The present disclosure provides a flexible and an efficient device to control or power tools and machinery that use pneumatic (air-powered) and vacuum (suction-based) systems to perform specific tasks. For example, the device controls pneumatic actuators to grasp or hold objects in robotic systems or assembly lines or drive pneumatic tools that provide the required torque (rotational force) to drive screws into materials or in vacuum systems that create suction to hold and lift items.
[56] The present disclosure provides a device 100 with an integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation for any tooling. By integrating both pneumatic and vacuum actuation into a single device, the robot can perform various functions without switching between different tools or waiting for tool changers.
[57] The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (also referred to as multi-modal coupling system, MMCS) encompasses a compressed air system (CAS), a vacuum system (VS), and control system.
[58] The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device or the MMCS may include a housing having a main body and mounting faces covering the main body. This integration of both pneumatic and vacuum functions in a single device streamlines operations and reduces the need for multiple tools.
[59] The present disclosure provides an integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device for tooling enables versatile operation across various industrial applications. For example, in painting and coating tasks, the pneumatic actuation powers spray guns or coating tools ensuring even distribution of paint or finishes across surfaces.
[60] As shown in Fig.1, the integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device 100 that includes a main body or housing 104. The main body 104 encapsulates and provides structural support to each of the components of the MMCS. The main body can be manufactured by using conventional and/or additive manufacturing or both with materials such as metal and/or non-metal.
As shown in Fig.1, the integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device 100 includes a top mounting face 102 and a bottom mounting face 103 attached to the main body 104. The top mounting face 102 and the bottom mounting face 103 are adapted to be coupled with external linkage systems 140 via custom couplers 306 that act as an intermediary between the device 100 and the external linkage systems 140 (as shown in Fig.12) and a hybrid tooling device 142. The external linkage systems may be a robot/gantry/mechanical linkage system.
[61] According to an embodiment, the mounting faces may include top mounting face 102, bottom mounting face 103, and side faces. The top and the bottom mounting faces may be configured to be coupled with any robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems on one face and pneumatic and vacuum tooling on the other face.
[62] According to an embodiment, the robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems may either be mounted using fasteners or intermediate couplers such as robot couplers (as illustrated in Fig.12) on one of the top mounting faces.
[63] In an example, the pneumatic and vacuum tooling may be mounted using a combination of fasteners and intermediate couplers, which then couple the MMCS (Multi-Modal Coupling System) to the hybrid tooling. The mounting faces of the MMCS may include fasteners, locators, and a combination of through and threaded holes 162, allowing for easy and flexible attachment to the tooling. The mounting faces may be connected to both pneumatic actuators for tasks like drilling or sanding and vacuum actuators for tasks like gripping and lifting. By incorporating these various mounting options, the system can be easily adapted to different tooling setups, reducing the time and effort needed for integration into a wide range of applications.
According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, top mounting face 102 may be coupled to any robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems on the top and pneumatic and vacuum tooling at the bottom.
[64] As shown in Fig. 2 to 6, the main body 104 includes a distribution system 112, a distribution block, a control system 114, a motive fluid inlet (MFI) 110, a motive fluid vacuum outlet (MFOVn) 118, a motive fluid compressed air outlet (MFO CAn) 126, sensor ports 117a-n, a compressed fluid system (CFS) silencer 132, a status indicator 116, and an input / output connector 108.
[65] As shown in Fig. 2 and 3, the motive fluid inlet 110 receives compressed fluid or vacuum and sends it to the distribution system. The distribution system 112 distributes the fluid pressure across the various components of the system. The distribution system 112 includes a compressed fluid system (CFS) 120 and a vacuum system 130. The distribution system 112 is manufactured only through additive manufacturing technology that includes metal and non-metal materials and are physically either too difficult or impossible to make with conventionally available manufacturing methodologies.
[66] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the MMCS may include the distribution system (types) that may either support a fluid medium of compressed air system (CAS) and/or a vacuum system (VS).
[67] According to an embodiment, the compressed fluid system (CFS) 120 may be a compressed air system. The compressed air system receives air from the motive fluid inlet (MFI) compressed air (CA) (or MFI CAn) 110 which serves as the entry point for compressed air. A compressed air system relies on compressed air to perform various tasks like actuating tools or powering machinery.
[68] As used herein, the compressed air system (CAS) is made of one or more control valves 122a1-nn, (as shown in Fig.1) that control the flow, pressure, and direction of the compressed air to other distribution systems or other distribution blocks or the motive fluid outlet (MFO) compressed air. The control valves (CVs) or CFS control valves 122a1-nn regulate and direct the flow of fluids (such as compressed air) within the distribution system 112. The control valves (CVs) valves 122a1-nn receive fluid from the motive fluid inlet 110 and function as switches or regulators that open or close pathways through which the fluid flows. By opening or closing specific pathways, these valves control and regulate the pressure and distribution of the fluid to different parts of the device or tooling.
[69] Advantageously, the present disclosure provides a single compressed fluid tube for the MMCS to actuate both the pneumatic and vacuum tooling. But can have more than one compressed fluid tube for the MMCS.
The CFS further includes one or more sensors to get feedback on the internal flow and pressure in the pneumatic circuit. CFS sensors 124a-n provide status to the control system 114 indicating the flow, pressure or other operational parameters of the fluid in the compressed fluid system (CFS) 120. The compressed fluid system (CFS) 120 generates the high-pressure fluid needed either to actuate the pneumatic actuators in the hybrid tooling (142) and/or for the vacuum generation process of VS 130..
[70] The vacuum system (VS) 130 may contain an internal vacuum generator (IVG), vacuum junction (VJ) 137 and/or one or more control valves (CVs). The vacuum junction 137 refers to a place where the vacuum is available for the vacuum tooling 142, and the same is in fluid communication with motive fluid vacuum outlet(MFO Vn) 118 (from here the vacuum is delivered to vacuum tooling) and/or vacuum generator and/or one external vacuum generator 130a. The vacuum in the VJ is provided by either the Vacuum generator using MFI Compressed air 110 and/or externally provided one or more external vacuum generator or MFI Vacuum External 130a.
[71] The main body 114 includes internal vacuum generator (IVG). The internal vacuum generator 300 receives control signals from the one control system 114. The internal vacuum generator 300 receives compressed air from the at least one compressed fluid system (120) and generates vacuum. The internal vacuum control valves 131a1-nn (as illustrated in Fig.1) are responsible for controlling MFI compressed air to the vacuum generator for generating vacuum.
[72] The internal vacuum generator 300 generates vacuum from the high-pressure fluid needed for the vacuum generation process. For example, in an automated assembly line for electronic components, the internal vacuum generator (IVG) 300 receives control signals from the control system 114, receives high-pressure compressed air from the compressed fluid system (CFS) 120 and generates vacuum. The generated vacuum is delivered to motive fluid outlet 118 for lifting the circuit board.
[73] According to an embodiment, the vacuum junction 137 receives vacuum from an external vacuum generator 130a.
[74] The vacuum control valves (CVs) 134a-n receive vacuum from the vacuum junction 137 (as shown in Fig.1). The vacuum control valves (CVs) 134a-n (as illustrated in Fig.1) control and regulate pressure, direction and flow of vacuum and provide vacuum to the motive fluid vacuum outlet118 (as shown in Fig.3 to 8).
[75] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the motive fluid inlet compressed air is compatible with compressed air and while the motive fluid inlet vacuum is compatible with vacuum medium.
[76] As shown in Fig. 10 and 11, the vacuum system 130 includes a vacuum generator silencer 132 (as illustrated in Fig.1) that reduces the overall noise level produced by the exhaust of compressed air during vacuum generation or noise produced during generation of vacuum. The vacuum system sensors 136a-n configured to provide status to the control system 114 indicating the flow, pressure or other operational parameters of the vacuum in the vacuum system 130.
[77] According to an embodiment, the robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems 140 may either be mounted using fasteners and/or dowel pins 160 (as illustrated in Fig.12) on the top mounting face 102 and the bottom mounting face 103. As shown in Fig. 10 to 12, the fasteners attach the device to the robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems 140 or the hybrid tooling device 142.
[78] According to an embodiment, the vacuum system may be connected to one or more vacuum subsystems 304a-n.
[79] Furthermore, the vacuum junction may have at least one or more vacuum system sensors 136a-n to get feedback on the internal flow and pressure in the vacuum circuit. Moreover, the distribution system is a fluid circuit that contains at least one distribution block, wherein the distribution blocks can either be separated into individual blocks or can be a combination of multiple distribution blocks of one or more distribution system types.
[80] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the distribution block is a pneumatically closed body having a provisioning mechanism for at least a motive fluid inlet. The distribution block structure provides a mechanism for one or more control valves for the compressed air or vacuum. Still further, the distribution block may have at least an in-built vacuum generator and/or at least the vacuum junction.
[81] Furthermore, the distribution block provides spacing for running the wires and/or tubes through it to support the fluid & electrical circuits. Additionally, the provision to mount the electrical control board (ECB) onto the distribution block may also be provided. Still further, the support mechanism for the peripherals of MMCS and/or other peripherals may also be provided in the distribution block.
[82] According to another embodiment, the distribution block may have provisions to install seals for multiple requirements such as for higher ingress protection, for pneumatically closing the fluid communication with other distribution blocks and/or other supporting peripherals. In an exemplary embodiment, the distribution blocks are manufactured only through additive manufacturing (metal & non-metal) and are physically either too difficult or impossible to make with conventionally available manufacturing methodologies.
[83] Furthermore, using additive manufacturing methodologies, the overall shape and size of the distribution block is designed to form around the housing and/or other components & peripherals, leading to a flexible distribution block design that may be customized based on each use case. On the contrary, the overall shape and size of the distribution block is rigid and fixed upon using conventional manufacturing methodologies, unlike the present disclosure.
[84] Furthermore, using additive manufacturing methodologies, the overall size of the distribution block is reduced, leading to a compact design. On the contrary, the overall size of the distribution block is larger upon using conventional manufacturing, unlike the present disclosure.
[85] Furthermore, by using additive manufacturing methodologies, the weight-to-strength ratio of the distribution block is significantly low, leading to less overall weight. On the contrary, the weight-to-strength ratio of the distribution block is significantly higher, leading to increased overall weight upon using conventional manufacturing methodologies, unlike the present disclosure.
[86] Still further, the distribution block may include a pressure release valve within the distribution block body for automatically releasing the pressure once a pre-determined threshold pressure is reached inside the housing that surrounds the distribution block. In view of the above, the distribution block is a cost-effective and helps to manufacture the integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation of any tooling.
[87] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the control system 114 is driven by the controller or the ECB 115, which receives communication and power through the input/output connector 108 (as shown in Fig. 5 to 8).
[88] As illustrated in Fig. 2 and 7, the main body 114 includes status indicators 116 that indicates the status of the device 100 to the user. According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the MMCS may include status indicators 116 for testing, safety, and error communication. The status indicators 116 may additionally be used to communicate with an operator. In an example, a multi-color status indicator may have multiple states to communicate both the status and the error states for easy troubleshooting.
[89] As illustrated in Fig. 10 and 11, the status indicator 116 includes Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) configured to communicate the current state and/or errors in the device 100.
[90] In an exemplary scenario, during normal operation, the status indicator might glow green, signaling that the device is functioning correctly. If the device detects a pressure drop in the pneumatic line, the indicator might switch to red, alerting the operator of a potential issue.
[91] The main body 114 includes a motive fluid vacuum outlet118 (as shown in Fig. 3 to 8) that release regulated compressed air or vacuum for actuating the hybrid tooling device 142.
[92] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the MMCS may include the motive fluid outlets (MFO) 118 which further includes the MFO compressed air 126 and MFO vacuum 118. The MFO compressed air 126 is the motive force used to actuate the pneumatic tooling while the MFO vacuum is a motive force used to actuate the vacuum tooling.
[93] The main body 114 includes one or more sensor ports 117a-n that receive feedback from the hybrid tooling device 142 and send to the one control system 114.
[94] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the MMCS may include one or more sensor ports which are configured to receive feedback from the pneumatic and the vacuum tooling and to communicate the feedback to the both the MMCS and robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems. This negates a need for running a long wire to the robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems.
[95] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the MMCS may include a silencer 132. In an example, the silencer may be a vacuum generator silencer 132. The vacuum generator may be fitted or arranged with a silencer to reduce the overall noise level produced by the exhaust of compressed air. In another example, the silencer may be an MMCS exhaust silencer 302. The MMCS may be fitted or arranged with a silencer 302 that reduces the overall noise level produced by the return exhaust of compressed air. The silencers 132 and 302 can be the same or be one or more separate silencers of the MMCS.
[96] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the MMCS may include an Input/Output connector 108. The MMCS requires only a single communication cable for the MMCS to actuate both the pneumatic and vacuum tooling and receive feedback from the sensors connected to them. Such an operation is performed through the Input/Output connector 108.
[97] The device 100 needs only a single communication cable or the I/O Connector cable 144 for the MMCS to actuate both the hybrid tooling device or the pneumatic and tooling device 142 and receive feedback from the sensors connected to them.
[98] According to an embodiment the control system of the MMCS is built-in and designed to be able to work with multiple hybrid tooling device such as robots, gantries, custom machinery, pneumatic tooling, vacuum tooling and with multiple other MMCS.
[99] The feedback from the hybrid tooling device 142 is sent to the sensor ports 117a-n. The control system 114 receives the feedback from the sensor ports 117a-n.
[100] As illustrated in Fig. 12, the device is configured to receive communication signal and power from one or more external linkage systems 140 through the I/O connector 108.
[101] The motive fluid outlets 126/118 releases regulated compressed air or vacuum for actuating the hybrid tooling device 142 through one or more one or more compressed air or vacuum outlets 126/118 (Fig. 1). According to an embodiment, the hybrid tooling device 142 is configured to be actuated by pneumatic or vacuum actuation mechanisms.
[102] Further, there may be one or more components of system 100, and the same is not shown in Fig. 1 for clarity.
Fig. 13 illustrates a method 200 for actuating a tool by a pneumatic and vacuum actuation device 100, The method includes the following steps:
At a step 202, a control system 114 receives control signals from an external linkage system 140.
At a step 204, control signals are sent by the control system 114 to a compressed fluid system 120 that directs fluid flow within the device 100.
At a step 206, the compressed fluid is received by the compressed fluid system 120 through a motive fluid inlet 110.
At a step 208, the pressure, direction and flow of the received compressed fluid is controlled and regulated by the compressed fluid system 120.
At a step 210, the compressed fluid is received by the vacuum system 1 from the compressed fluid system 120.
At a step 212, vacuum is generated internally through the Internal Vacuum Generator 300 or received from an external vacuum generator 130a to the vacuum system 130.
At a step 214, the vacuum pressure, direction and flow of vacuum is controlled and regulated by the vacuum system 130.
At a step 216, the status of the device 100 is sent by one or more CFS sensors 124 and one or more vacuum system sensors 136.
At a step 218, the status of the device 100 is sent to the control system 114 and a status indicator 116.
At a step 220, feedback is received from the hybrid tooling device 142 by one or more sensor ports 117a-n and sent to the control system 114.
[103] The present disclosure offers numerous advantages related to integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation of any tooling. A few of the advantages achieved using the features of the present disclosure are provided below:
i. Pneumatics and Vacuum tooling are advantageously controlled together from the same device providing increased efficiency, improved machine utilization and increased project turn around time.
ii. A single compressed air tube is advantageously required for the system or MMCS to actuate both the pneumatic and vacuum tooling.
iii. A single communication cable is advantageously required for the MMCS to actuate both the pneumatic and vacuum tooling and receive feedback from the sensors connected to them.
iv. MMCS has a compact structure with significantly reduced overall weight.
v. The top and the bottom mounting faces of the MMCS are designed to be coupled with any robot/gantry/mechanical linkage systems and pneumatic and vacuum tooling.
vi. The control system of the MMCS is built-in and designed to work with multiple systems such as robots, gantries, custom machinery, pneumatic tooling, vacuum tooling, and multiple other MMCS.
vii. Because of the platform approach of the MMCS, the communication protocol is designed to work with all standard communication protocols such as Digital I/O, Modbus, I/O link, TCP/IP, ProfNet, and the like.
viii. The present disclosure provides easy integration with robots, gantries and mechanical linkage systems, minimizing spare requirements and allowing multiple projects to be executed simultaneously.

[104] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain preferred embodiments and examples thereof, other embodiments, equivalents, and modifications are possible and are also encompassed by the scope of the present disclosure.
,CLAIMS:We Claim
1. An integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100), comprising:
a top mounting face (102) and a bottom mounting face (103) adapted to couple with one or more external linkage systems (140) and a hybrid tooling device (142);
a main body (104) attached to the top mounting face (102) and the bottom mounting face (103), the main body (104) comprising:
a motive fluid inlet (110) configured to receive compressed fluid or vacuum;
a distribution system (112) comprising at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) (120) and at least one vacuum system (130);
at least one control system (114) comprising at least one controller (115) configured to receive/send control signals from/to an external linkage system and provide control signals to the at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) (120) and the at least one vacuum system (130);
at least one status indicator (116) configured to indicate the status of the device (100) to the user;
a motive fluid vacuum outlet (118) configured to release regulated vacuum for actuating the hybrid tooling device (142); and
at least one motive fluid compressed air outlet (126) configured to release regulated compressed air for actuating the hybrid tooling device (142); and

one or more sensor ports (117 a-n) configured to receive feedback from the hybrid tooling device (142) and send to the at least one control system (114);
wherein the at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) (120) configured to receive fluid from the motive fluid inlet (110);
wherein the at least one vacuum system (130) configured to receive compressed air from the compressed fluid system (CFS) (120) or vacuum from at least one external vacuum generator (130a).
and can have a mounting provision on the side to couple with one or more external linkage systems (140) and a hybrid tooling device (142);

2. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the distribution system (112) is manufactured through additive manufacturing technology.

3. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one external linkage systems is a robot/gantry/mechanical linkage system.

4. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one compressed fluid system (CFS) (120) comprising:
one or more CFS control valves (122a1-nn) configured to:
receive fluid from the motive fluid inlet (110);
can control and regulate the pressure ,direction and flow of the received fluid;
can be actuated either electrically or compressed air or vacuum or a combination of them
one or more CFS sensors (124a-n) configured to provide status to the at least one control system (114) indicating the flow, pressure or other operational parameters of the fluid in the compressed fluid system (CFS) (120); and
the at least one motive fluid compressed air outlet (126) configured to release compressed air to the hybrid tooling (142).
5. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum system (130) may comprise:
one or more control valves (131a1-nn) configured to:
receive fluid from the motive fluid inlet (110);
can control and regulate the pressure, and direction of and flow of the received fluid;
can be actuated either electrically or compressed air or vacuum or a combination of them
provide compressed fluid to the at least one Internal Vacuum Generator (300)
at least one internal vacuum generator (300) configured to:
receive compressed air from the at least one compressed fluid system (120) and generate vacuum;
provide vacuum to the at least one vacuum junction (137)
one or more Control Valves (133a1-nn) configured to:
receive vacuum from at least one external vacuum generator (130a);
can control and regulate the pressure, and direction of and flow of the received vacuum;
provide vacuum to the at least one vacuum junction (137)
at least one vacuum junction (137) configured to:
receive vacuum from the at least one internal vacuum generator (300);
receive vacuum from the at least one external vacuum generator (130a);
send vacuum to the motive fluid vacuum outlet 118 either through one ore more control valves (134a-n) or directly.
one or more vacuum control valves (134a-n) configured to:
receive vacuum from the at least one vacuum junction (137);
control and regulate vacuum flow, vacuum pressure, direction and flow of vacuum;
provide vacuum to the motive fluid vacuum outlet (118);
at least a vacuum generator silencer (132) adapted to reduce the noise produced during generation of vacuum; and one or more vacuum system sensors (136a-n) configured to provide status to the at least one control system (114) indicating indicate the flow, pressure or other operational parameters of the vacuum in the vacuum system (130).
6. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100), wherein the Vacuum System (130) further comprises at least one or more silencer (132) that is adapted to reduce noise produced by exhaust of compressed air;
wherein the Compressed Fluid System (CFS) (120) further comprises at least one or more Compressed Fluid System (CFS) silencer (302) that is adapted to reduce noise produced by exhaust of compressed air;
wherein the VS silencer (132) and CFS silencer (302) can be the same or one or more separate silencers. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller (115) is an Electrical Control Board (ECB).

7. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the status indicator (116) comprises at least one Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) configured to communicate the current state and/or errors in the device (100).

8. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100), wherein the device is configured to receive communication signal and power from one or more external linkage systems (140) through the I/O connector (108);

9. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hybrid tooling device (142) is configured to be actuated by pneumatic and/ or vacuum actuation mechanisms, robots, gantries, custom machinery, pneumatic tooling, vacuum tooling, and multiple other pneumatic and/ or vacuum actuation devices.
10. The integrated pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100), wherein the device (100) is adapted to receive/send signals and feedback from/to the hybrid tooling device (142) by one or more sensor ports (117a-n).

11. A method (200) for actuating a tool by a pneumatic and vacuum actuation device (100), comprises:
receiving (202) control signals from an external linkage system (140) by at least one control system (114);
sending (204) control signals by the at least one control system (114) to a compressed fluid system (120);
receiving (206) compressed fluid by the compressed fluid system (120) through a motive fluid inlet (110);
controlling and regulating (208) the pressure, direction, and flow of the received compressed fluid by the compressed fluid system (120);
receiving (210) compressed fluid by the vacuum system (130) from the compressed fluid system (120);
generating (212) vacuum or receiving vacuum from an external vacuum generator (130a) by the vacuum system (130);
controlling and regulating (214) vacuum pressure, direction and flow of vacuum by the vacuum system (130);
sensing (216) the status of the device (100) by one or more CFS sensors (124) and one or more vacuum system sensors (136);
sending (218) the status of the device (100) to the at least one control system (114) and displayed by one or more status indicators (116); and
receiving (220) feedback by one or more sensor ports (117a-n) from the hybrid tooling device (142) and sending to the at least one control system (114).