Active Suction Cup With Internal Vacuum Pump and Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction cup display systems suffer from vacuum leakage, limited weight capacity, noise due to external vacuum generators, and bulkiness, making them inefficient and unattractive for holding objects on smooth surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A compact active suction cup with integrated electromechanical air extraction means and a pressure sensor within the vacuum chamber, allowing for silent operation and higher vacuum generation, enabling secure adhesion to smooth surfaces for extended periods without continuous vacuum generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If vacuum generating elements are placed outside the vacuum chamber, then the suction cup can generate sufficient vacuum, but the device becomes bulky and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum generating elements (motor and pump) with the vacuum chamber by placing them inside the chamber. This merging of components that were previously separate resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for external housing space and reducing noise transmission to the exterior environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum generating elements are nested within the vacuum chamber, creating a compact integrated structure. The motor and pump are positioned inside the chamber volume, utilizing the internal space efficiently and avoiding the bulkiness of external component mounting.
2Reliability
If mechanical vacuum generation is used, then the suction cup can adhere to surfaces, but vacuum leakage occurs over time and weight capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure sensor inside the vacuum chamber that continuously monitors the vacuum level and provides feedback to the control system. When vacuum degradation is detected, the system automatically activates the vacuum generator to restore the required pressure level, ensuring sustained adhesion and weight capacity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum system operates continuously or periodically to maintain the vacuum level, rather than relying on a single mechanical action. The electromechanical vacuum generator can run intermittently to compensate for leakage and maintain adhesion force, ensuring continuous useful action.
3Ease of operation
If traditional display stands are used, then objects can be held on ceilings or floors, but the configuration and mounting system is complicated and requires installation
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is designed to be self-adhering through its vacuum generation capability, eliminating the need for complex mechanical mounting systems, screws, or professional installation. The device attaches itself to smooth surfaces by creating a vacuum seal, making installation simple and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical mounting systems (screws, clips, brackets) with an electromechanical vacuum adhesion system. This substitution simplifies the mounting process from complex mechanical assembly to simple electrical activation of the vacuum pump.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution results in a quieter, more compact suction cup that maintains adhesion on smooth surfaces for weeks or months, supporting heavier loads with reduced energy consumption and enhanced visual appeal for display purposes.
Implementation Method 1
means for extracting air from inside the chamber, acting as a vacuum generating circuit... adapted to extract air from inside the vacuum chamber to reduce the pressure inside the chamber so that the suction cup adheres to the surface
Implementation Method 2
The vacuum chamber is provided with at least one opening with an elastic rim adapted to be applied against a surface... sealing the vacuum chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An active suction cup includes a vacuum chamber provided with at least one opening with an elastic rim adapted to be applied against a surface sealingly closing the chamber vacuum, and air extraction means from inside the chamber, adapted to extract the air from inside the chamber to reduce the pressure inside the chamber so that the suction cup remains adhered to the surface. The suction cup is characterized in that the air extraction means are arranged inside the vacuum chamber and connected to a conduit that opens outside the chamber, the suction cup also comprising a pressure sensor inside the chamber to detect the pressure inside the chamber. The pressure sensor is connected to control means adapted to actuate the air extraction means if the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is greater than a predetermined maximum pressure threshold.