Bellows Suction Cup Locking for Stable Lift Without Surface Marking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cups lose stability and friction when lifting objects at about ⅓ of their maximum load limit, and they often rely on a rigid hub that can cause marking or indentation on surfaces, and require a workpiece stop member for function.
Innovation Solution
A suction cup design with a compressible bellows and lip that can be locked in a partly compressed state using through open holes and raised sealing portions, allowing for flexibility and avoiding the need for a hub, which reduces the risk of marking and enhances friction distribution across the object surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid hub is used to maximize friction and stability, then the suction cup can maintain stability during lifting, but the hub may cause marking or indentation on the object surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the rigid hub with a flexible lip made of elastomeric material that can conform to the object surface without causing marking. The flexible lip maintains contact and friction through its compliance rather than rigid mechanical engagement, eliminating the harmful effect of surface indentation while preserving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the contact surface from rigid (hub) to flexible (elastomeric lip). This parameter change allows the contact surface to adapt to the object geometry and distribute pressure evenly, preventing localized stress concentrations that cause marking while maintaining adequate friction for stability.
2Force
If the suction cup is fully compressed to maximize friction, then the holding force is increased, but the cup loses flexibility and becomes very rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic compression system where the bellows can be compressed to varying degrees. The lip remains flexible throughout the compression range, allowing the system to adapt between fully compressed (maximum holding force) and partially compressed (maintained flexibility) states. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by making flexibility a variable rather than a fixed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is divided into multiple segments that can compress independently, allowing different parts of the suction cup to be at different compression levels. This segmentation enables the distal end to be fully compressed for maximum friction while the proximal end retains flexibility, or allows gradual compression to achieve optimal balance between holding force and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a workpiece stop member is added to enhance function, then the suction cup can engage objects more effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible lip serves multiple functions: it provides the friction surface for holding, acts as the sealing element, and replaces the workpiece stop member by conforming to and engaging the object surface directly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate stop members while maintaining effective engagement, thereby reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of the hub, sealing element, and stop member into a single integrated flexible lip structure. This consolidation combines multiple components into one element that performs all necessary functions through its flexibility and conformability, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining operational effectiveness.
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 design provides improved flexibility and stability, minimizing the risk of surface damage and leakage, while maintaining a strong lifting force and allowing engagement with non-flat surfaces, and is more lightweight and complex than prior art suction cups.
Implementation Method 1
the bellows and lip can be compressed against each other into a compressed state
Implementation Method 2
a seal can be formed between the bellows and the lip in a compressed state of the suction cup
Implementation Method 3
when connected to vacuum the air in the exterior volume can be evacuated through one or more through open holes provided in the lip and/or bellows
Data Source
AI summary
A suction cup for engaging and lifting an object is disclosed, comprising a lip, a bellows, and an upper portion sealingly connected to the bellows for connecting an inner volume of the suction cup to a source of vacuum, which cup, in an operative state, is capable of being locked in an at least partly compressed state of the lip and/or bellows. Locking is accomplished by air entrapped in a sealed exterior volume formed between the lip and bellows and/or between one or more segments of the bellows in an operative state being evacuated through one or more through open holes provided in the lip and/or bellows when vacuum is connected to the suction cup. A corresponding lip and a corresponding bellows for use in the suction cup are also disclosed.