Simulation Model for Digital Twins of Pneumatic Vacuum Ejectors

Abstract

Increasing productivity, as well as flexibility, is required for the industrial production sector. To meet these challenges, concepts in the field of “Industry 4.0” are arising, such as the concept of Digital Twins. Vacuum handling systems are a widespread technology for material handling in industry and face the same challenges and opportunities. In this field, a key issue is the lack of Digital Twins containing behavior models for vacuum handling systems and their components in different applications and use cases. A novel concept for modeling and simulating the fluidic behavior of pneumatic vacuum ejectors as key components of vacuum handling systems is proposed. In order to increase the simulation accuracy, the concept can access instance‐specific data of the used asset instead of object‐specific data. The model and the data are part of the Digital Twins of pneumatic vacuum ejectors, which shall be able to be combined with other components to represent a Digital Twin of entire vacuum handling systems. The proposed model is validated in an experimental test setup and in an industrial application delivering sufficiently accurate results.

Novel Engineering and Product Solutions Towards Digitalization and Sustainability in Vacuum Handling Automation

“…as digital components Functional Mock-up Units FMU and Asset Administration Shells AAS [7, 8] respectively. Scientific results show that digital behavior models for vacuum generators and suction cups can be created and that they provide sufficiently accurate results in system models [9,10,11]. The modelling depth can be taken into account for balancing accuracy and computing time [12].…”

A Trajectory-Specific Approach for Calculating the Required Holding Force for Surface Grippers

“…These features make vacuum handling systems an attractive solution for future flexible production systems [2]. In general, a vacuum handling system consists of components from six groups, which are vacuum generators, connections, fasteners, switching and system monitoring elements, valves, and suction cups [3]. The three most crucial components in the design of a vacuum handling system are vacuum generators, connections and suction cups [4].…”