Quick-Release Suction Anchor With Vent Port Seal Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring apparatus, such as suction cups and suction seal stabilizers, face challenges in efficient release from surfaces due to the need for manual operation or high lifting forces, and often require specific movement patterns or brute force to break the seal, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A universal quick-release anchor member with a flexible base seal and integral vent port closure member that automatically switches between sealed and vented states, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without noticeable resistance, utilizing a biased vent port closure member that moves from a closed to open position to manage pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction cup or suction seal stabilizer is used to adhere to a surface, then secure attachment is achieved, but release requires either brute lifting force or specific manual movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
A vent port closure member is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the suction seal. This closure member controls the vent port that releases the vacuum, allowing detachment without requiring brute force lifting. The closure member acts as a mediator that translates simple user input (opening the vent) into the complex action of breaking the seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent port closure member is extracted as a separate, movable component from the rigid anchor structure. This allows the venting function to be independently controlled and operated separately from the main anchoring mechanism, enabling easy release while maintaining secure attachment during normal operation.
2Reliability
If a rigid mechanical stopper is used to control the vent port, then suction can be maintained and released, but the stopper requires manual operation with specific movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The vent port closure member transitions from a static rigid stopper to a dynamic component that can move between closed and open positions. This dynamic design allows the closure member to be actuated by simple user input (such as pushing or pulling) rather than requiring specific complex movement patterns, while still maintaining reliable suction control.
3Ease of operation
If a suction seal stabilizer with highly flexible base seal member is used, then self-sealing occurs without pushing force, but the seal can be moved laterally with little resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor member incorporates different stiffness characteristics in different regions: the base seal member remains highly flexible for self-sealing, while the vent port closure member and surrounding structure provide localized rigidity to prevent lateral movement. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows simultaneous achievement of easy self-sealing and lateral stability.
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
Enables secure attachment and effortless release of objects from surfaces, providing stealth mode operation and reducing the effort required for detachment, while maintaining stability against tilting or side loads.
Implementation Method 1
the base seal member has a natural tendency to return to its initial dome shape. As this rebounding occurs, the volumetric cavity that lies inside the peripheral rim between the base seal member's lower side and the reference surface begins to enlarge.
Implementation Method 2
A pressure differential is generated in which the pressure within the volumetric cavity is lower than the ambient air pressure outside the cavity, thereby resulting in a partial vacuum. The partial vacuum produces a suction force
Implementation Method 3
The closed position includes the vent port closure member being arranged to block the vent port upper end and prevent the passage of air through the vent port to thereby close the controlled pressure zone
Data Source
AI summary
A universal quick-release anchor member includes a flexible base seal member comprising non-porous resilient material. The base seal member is configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a controlled pressure zone. A vent port extends through the anchor member. A vent port closure member is disposed proximate to a vent port upper end. The vent port closure member is biased to move from a closed position to an open position. The closed position includes the vent port closure member being arranged to block the vent port upper end and prevent the passage of air through the vent port. The open position includes the vent port closure member being arranged to unblock the vent port upper end and allow the passage of air through the vent port.