Axial Suction Cup Release Mechanism for Compact Vacuum Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction cup technologies face challenges in proper positioning and attachment due to the vacuum resistance and the complexity of shaft-based arrangements, leading to increased costs and manufacturing difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A compact axial suction cup installation and release mechanism featuring a suction cup within a concave housing with an axial drive member, utilizing a drive shaft and inclined surfaces to securely attach and detach the suction cup from a surface, allowing for easy repositioning and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If shaft-based arrangements (crankshafts, eccentric rods) are used to pull the suction cup center away from the surface, then the vacuum strength is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex shaft-based mechanisms (crankshafts, eccentric rods, lever arms) from the system while retaining the essential function of pulling the suction cup center away from the surface. This is achieved by using a simpler axial drive mechanism that directly translates rotational motion into axial motion without requiring complex intermediate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive shaft in the patent serves multiple functions: it provides the axial pulling motion to create vacuum, supports the suction cup assembly, and acts as the mounting structure for the utilization device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate shafts, bearings, and support structures required in traditional crankshaft-based designs.
2Force
If lever arms are extended from the suction cup mechanism, then the axial pulling capability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to accidental contact and snagging
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending lever arms outward from the suction cup mechanism (which creates vulnerability to contact and snagging), the patent inverts the approach by containing the drive mechanism within the body of the suction cup itself. The drive shaft and cam are housed inside the suction cup body, with only the operating element (button or knob) exposed externally.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the drive shaft, cam, and other mechanical components within the suction cup body, creating a compact integrated assembly. The cam is nested within the drive shaft assembly, and the entire mechanism is nested within the suction cup body, eliminating the need for external lever arms while maintaining the axial pulling function.
3Reliability
If specialized suction cup designs are used to accommodate lever arms and crankshafts, then the attachment capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the suction cup body, drive mechanism, and mounting structure into a single integrated component. The drive shaft is integrated with the suction cup body, the cam is integrated with the drive shaft assembly, and the entire mechanism is integrated within the single body structure. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized components and simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-body design serves multiple functions: it creates the vacuum seal, houses the drive mechanism, provides the mounting structure for the utilization device, and incorporates the release mechanism. This multi-functionality in a single component reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to assembling multiple specialized parts.
4Ease of operation
If the suction cup body is made with high elastic resilience to overcome vacuum resistance, then the repositioning capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring mechanism that dynamically adjusts the suction cup body during operation. The spring provides the necessary elastic force to overcome vacuum resistance during repositioning, while allowing the body to return to its original shape after detachment. This dynamic elastic response is achieved through a simple spring component rather than requiring the entire body to be made from expensive highly-elastic materials.
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 enables secure attachment and easy release of suction cups, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while maintaining effective vacuum formation for improved surface adhesion.
Implementation Method 1
Atmospheric pressure outside the body retains the suction cup body against the surface. When the air-tight seal is broken, air rushes into the concavity, releasing the vacuum and the suction attachment to the surface.
Implementation Method 2
Atmospheric pressure outside the body retains the suction cup body against the surface.
Implementation Method 3
The resilient suction cup can be repeatedly reused. When the air-tight seal is broken, air rushes into the concavity, releasing the vacuum and the suction attachment to the surface. Whereupon the elastically resilient material of the suction cup body returns to its relaxed condition.
Implementation Method 4
The drive shaft extends through a central aperture in the axial drive member and interacts with an inclined drive surface to pull the central portion of the suction cup toward and push it away from the concave surface of the housing when the axial drive member is rotated in first and second opposite directions relative to the housing.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel suction cup mounting apparatus having a novel compact axial suction cup installation and release mechanism and method for assembling such a suction cup apparatus. The suction cup device includes a suction cup portion of a plunger assembly fit within a concave drive base and coupled thereto by a rigid drive pin. An optional rotational drive member or “handle” structured to operate on an external surface of the drive base may be provided for manipulating the drive pin relative to the suction cup and drive base. The suction cup device is intended to secure some device—a “utilization device”—to a surface. Therefore, according to another aspect of the suction cup device, a utilization mounting surface is projected above the drive base.