Magnetic-Assisted Suction Cup Mounting for Vacuum Loss Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suction cups used for semi-permanent attachment to surfaces lose vacuum over time due to atmospheric pressure equalization, leading to detachment issues.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic-assisted suction cup mounting assembly that combines a suction cup with strategically positioned magnets to provide additional fixation to ferrous surfaces, ensuring secure attachment regardless of vacuum pressure.
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 vacuum is lost over time leading to detachment
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 sealing, while magnets embedded in the base provide continuous magnetic attraction force to ferrous surfaces. This merging of two different attachment mechanisms (suction and magnetic) resolves the contradiction by maintaining attachment strength over time through the magnetic force that does not degrade like vacuum pressure.
2Reliability
If magnets are added to provide additional fixation, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the mounting assembly serves multiple functions: it houses the suction cup mechanism, contains embedded magnets for magnetic attraction, and provides structural support. By making the base multi-functional (combining suction housing and magnetic array carrier), the patent improves reliability through dual attachment mechanisms without proportionally increasing complexity, as the base structure itself fulfills multiple roles.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnets are strategically positioned and distributed within the base structure, with different regions containing magnets of varying strengths or configurations. This local differentiation optimizes the magnetic field distribution to enhance attachment reliability in critical areas while minimizing overall material usage and complexity. The suction cup and magnetic components are also spatially differentiated to work synergistically.
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 even when the suction cup loses vacuum, ensuring reliable semi-permanent mounting on ferrous surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
When the center of the suction cup is pressed against the non-porous surface, air between the cup and the non-porous surface is expelled past the rim of the suction cup reducing the volume of the space between the suction cup and the surface. The resulting cavity developed between the suction cup and the flat, non-porous surface has little to no air in it because most of the fluid has been forced out of the inside of the suction cup, causing a lack of pressure.
Implementation Method 2
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.
Implementation Method 3
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
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.