Magnetic-Assisted Suction Cup Assembly for Vacuum Loss Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suction cups used for semi-permanent attachment to surfaces lose vacuum over time, leading to detachment due to equalization of atmospheric pressure.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-assisted suction cup mounting assembly that combines a suction cup with a vacuum pump and strategically positioned magnets to provide additional fixation to ferrous surfaces, ensuring secure attachment regardless of vacuum levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a suction cup is used for semi-permanent attachment to a surface, then initial attachment strength is achieved, but the attachment reliability deteriorates over time due to vacuum loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a suction cup mechanism with a magnetic attachment mechanism into a single hybrid mounting assembly. The suction cup provides initial attachment and the magnets provide sustained fixation, creating a complementary dual-mechanism system that resolves the contradiction between initial strength and long-term reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly uses composite construction combining elastomeric suction cup material with ferromagnetic components. This composite approach allows the system to leverage both vacuum adhesion and magnetic attraction properties, maintaining reliable attachment over time despite vacuum degradation.
2Reliability
If magnets are added to provide additional fixation, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic components are integrated into the existing suction cup assembly structure rather than added as separate external devices. The magnets are positioned within the suction cup housing or mounting bracket, combining two attachment functions into a unified device that maintains reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 magnetic-assisted suction cup mounting assembly provides enhanced stability and security by maintaining attachment to ferrous surfaces even when the suction cup loses vacuum, extending the duration of secure mounting.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet spatially arranged with respect to the suction cup and providing additional fixturing of the suction cup to the ferrous material surface
Implementation Method 2
drawing a vacuum between the suction cup and the ferrous material surface
Implementation Method 3
The pressure difference between the atmosphere on the outside of the suction cup and the low-pressure cavity on the inside of the suction cup keeps the suction cup adhered to the flat, non-porous surface
Data Source
AI summary
A magnetic-assisted suction cup mounting assembly and method for semi-permanently attaching to a ferrous material surface comprises a suction cup and at least one magnet spatially arranged with respect to the suction cup and providing additional fixturing of the suction cup to the ferrous material surface. One method for semi-permanently attaching the mounting assembly to the ferrous material surface comprises positioning a plurality of magnets in a raised position above a peripheral edge surface of a suction cup, positioning the suction cup on the ferrous material surface and drawing a vacuum between the suction cup and the ferrous material surface. Then repositioning the plurality of magnets to a lowered position in contact with the ferrous material surface.