Electronically Releasable Suction Cup Assembly for Surface-Safe Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a secure, portable, and easily relocatable solution to secure valuable items to surfaces without damaging the surrounding environment, addressing challenges such as access control, portability, physical security, and surface compatibility.
Innovation Solution
An electronically-releasable suction cup assembly that includes a suction cup with a gas generating cell, connected to an electronic circuit, allowing for controlled release from surfaces by ejecting gas to alleviate vacuum pressure, enabling secure attachment and detachment of objects to flat surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to secure valuable items, then physical security is improved, but the risk of surface damage and loss of portability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with a suction-based attachment system. Instead of using locks, keys, or physical restraints that could damage surfaces, the system uses a suction cup to create a vacuum seal against the surface, securing the valuable item without mechanical penetration or damage. The release is achieved through gas injection rather than mechanical force.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pneumatic principles by creating a vacuum seal through the suction cup and using gas injection to break the seal. The gas generating cell produces gas that is ejected into the suction cup cavity, utilizing pneumatic pressure changes to achieve release. This pneumatic approach avoids mechanical contact with the surface that could cause damage.
2Ease of operation
If electronic components are added to enable controlled release, then ease of release is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas generating cell is designed to be self-contained and self-activating. It requires no external power source, control electronics, or complex activation mechanisms. The cell autonomously generates gas when triggered, providing controlled release functionality while minimizing the need for additional electronic components. This self-service approach maintains simplicity while enabling electronic-controlled release.
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 provides secure and portable attachment of valuables to various surfaces while ensuring easy release and relocation, maintaining surface integrity and offering controlled access through electronic authentication mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The base may be configured to be releasably secured to the surface by forming a vacuum with the surface
Implementation Method 2
The gas generating cell is configured to selectively eject fluid into the cavity of the suction cup to release the suction cup from the surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronically-releasable suction cup assembly is designed to releasably secure an object to a surface. The suction cup assembly includes a suction cup secured to the object. The suction cup has a cavity and is configured to be releasably secured to the surface. The suction cup assembly further includes a gas generating cell coupled to the suction cup. The gas generating cell is configured to selectively eject fluid into the cavity of the suction cup to release the suction cup from the surface.