Non-Circular Suction Cup With Uniform Peripheral Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suction cups with circular peripheral geometry struggle to securely attach to roughened surfaces and are aesthetically unappealing when used in multiple configurations, as they do not maintain uniform contact and sealing due to non-uniform expansion of non-circular peripheral edges, leading to unreliable adhesion and visibility issues.
Innovation Solution
Suction cups with non-circular peripheral edges are designed to maintain uniform thickness and constant edge sealing, ensuring adherence and sealing regardless of distance from the center, allowing for any desired geometry and improved aesthetic appeal by uniformly adhering to mounting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If suction cups with non-circular peripheral edges are used to increase density and improve aesthetics, then cup density and aesthetic appeal are improved, but uniform contact and sealing with the mounting surface deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the peripheral edge thickness uniform specifically at the sealing region, while the central body thickness can vary. This localized uniformity at the periphery ensures consistent contact and sealing with the mounting surface, while allowing the overall cup geometry to be non-circular for increased density and aesthetic purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the suction cup by transitioning from circular to non-circular peripheral geometry while maintaining uniform peripheral thickness. This parameter change allows for increased cup density and improved aesthetics while preserving reliable sealing through the controlled thickness distribution.
2Reliability
If conventional circular suction cups are used to maintain uniform contact and sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but cup density and aesthetic versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-circular peripheral geometries (such as rectangular, triangular, or irregular shapes) instead of conventional circular forms. This asymmetric design increases the number of cups that can be mounted in a given area and provides aesthetic versatility, while the uniform peripheral thickness maintains reliable sealing contact.
3Quantity of substance
If the peripheral edges of suction cups are trimmed to non-circular shapes to increase density, then cup density is improved, but uniform expansion and sealing contact deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform thickness specifically at the peripheral sealing edges, while allowing variation in the central body region. This localized control ensures that when the cup expands during compression, the peripheral edges maintain uniform contact and sealing, even though the overall shape is non-circular for increased density.
4Ease of manufacture
If suction cups are made transparent to improve aesthetics, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but visibility of the circular shape remains prominent causing aesthetic inconsistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by using non-circular peripheral geometries in transparent suction cups. This allows the cups to be aesthetically pleasing when mounted on transparent surfaces like glass, as the non-circular shapes (rectangular, triangular, or custom forms) provide visual interest and aesthetic consistency with modern designs, rather than the prominent circular shapes of conventional cups.
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 enables suction cups of any non-circular geometry to securely and firmly adhere to flat surfaces, increasing density and providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance by ensuring uniform contact and sealing, even on roughened surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Atmospheric pressure outside the body retains the suction cup body against the supporting surface
Implementation Method 2
the resilient material of the suction cup body returns to its relaxed concave condition
Implementation Method 3
When the seal between the cup and the surface on which it is mounted is broken, fluids such as air or the like rush into the cavity, releasing the suction attachment to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Suction cups with non-circular peripheral edges are formed with peripheral edges which are of uniform thickness regardless of the radial distance of the peripheral edge from the center of the cup body.