Bi-Stable Ribbon Spring Suction Cup for Spill-Resistant Securing

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a device and method that can securely hold or secure articles against various surfaces, including vertical, horizontal, or slanted surfaces, while allowing for easy drainage of liquids and convenient storage, without causing accidental spillage or displacement.

Innovation Solution

A bi-stable snap action ribbon spring connected to a suction cup creates a self-latching, spring-loaded mechanism that can secure articles to surfaces, allowing for flexible orientation and preventing accidental displacement or spillage by utilizing the suction cup's adhesion and the spring's coiling and uncoiling states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a suction cup is used to secure an article to a vertical surface, then the article can be held against the surface, but the article may be accidentally displaced or knocked off

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidaccidental displacement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction cup is connected to a bi-stable ribbon spring that can dynamically transition between coiled and uncoiled states. When the suction cup is pressed against the surface, the spring coils up to provide additional securing force. If the suction cup loses adhesion or the article is knocked, the spring uncoils to absorb the impact and prevent damage, then automatically returns to its coiled state for continued securing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bi-stable ribbon spring is pre-configured in a coiled state that acts as a cushion between the suction cup and the article. This cushioning mechanism is in place before any accidental displacement occurs, absorbing potential impact forces and preventing both the article and suction cup from being damaged during accidental knocks or displacements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a rigid securing mechanism is used to firmly hold an article, then the article is securely fixed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecuring strengthVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of a rigid securing mechanism, the invention uses a flexible bi-stable ribbon spring that can bend and deform. The spring's flexibility allows it to provide strong securing forces through elastic deformation while maintaining a simple, lightweight structure. The thin film nature of the ribbon spring reduces material usage and device complexity compared to rigid mechanical fasteners or clamps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If a suction cup securing device is used on various surfaces, then versatility is improved, but the stability on different orientations may vary

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface compatibilityVSAvoidorientation stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bi-stable ribbon spring dynamically adapts to different surface orientations and geometries. On vertical surfaces, the spring maintains a coiled configuration providing radial securing force. When moved to horizontal or slanted surfaces, the spring automatically adjusts its coil geometry and tension to maintain optimal securing performance, ensuring stability across various orientations without requiring different securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This solution simplifies the process of draining liquids from containers by allowing gravity to accumulate liquid near the opening and provides secure storage of articles on different surfaces, preventing unintended spillage or displacement, thus optimizing storage space in various environments.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing the suction cup's adhesion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

bi-stable snap action ribbon spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

spring-loaded mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 4

allowing gravity to accumulate liquid near the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9945513B2Suction cup securing device incorporating a bi-stable ribbon spring

Publication Date: 2018.04.17 WHITNEY MELISSA JO

AI summary

A device and method for holding or securing an article against a surface using a suction cup connected to a bi-stable snap action ribbon spring. The device and method utilize the bi-stable characteristics of a snap action ribbon spring together with the adhesion characteristics of a suction cup to create a self-latching, spring-loaded mechanism for securing an article to a surface. The device and method for holding or securing an article against a surface using a suction cup connected to a bi-stable snap action ribbon spring can be used to greatly simplify the ease in draining liquid from a hollow container in an effortless manner by the use of gravity by allowing the liquid within the hollow container to accumulate or settle towards the vicinity approximate to the opening where the liquid is dispensed from.