Rack-and-Pinion Fixing Device for Reduced Attachment Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fixing devices for portable electronic devices require sufficient force to attach or detach the sucker from a surface due to inefficient torque conversion by the rotatable element, making it difficult to use with minimal effort.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a sucker, a rack, a gear, a transforming unit, and a limiting unit, where the gear rotates the rack between positions to apply or release suction force, allowing attachment with reduced force through a push-button mechanism, and the limiting unit restricts the rack's position for stable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotatable element is used to attach or detach the sucker, then the sucker can be attached to or detached from the surface, but sufficient force is required making it difficult to operate with minimal effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static rotatable element into a dynamic rack-and-pinion mechanism where linear motion of the rack converts rotational motion of the gear. This dynamic transformation allows the pushing motion to be converted into effective torque with mechanical advantage, reducing the force required from the user while maintaining the attachment/detachment function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter from direct rotation to linear pushing motion. By transforming the input motion type and utilizing the gear ratio between the pinion and rack, the system achieves mechanical advantage that reduces the force parameter while maintaining the functional output of attaching or detaching the sucker.
2Device complexity
If the rotatable element simply transforms pull/push force into torque, then the mechanism is simple, but the torque conversion is inefficient requiring insufficient user force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent improves torque conversion efficiency by introducing the rack as an intermediate element that transforms linear pushing force into rotational motion of the pinion gear. This dynamic mechanism provides mechanical advantage through the gear ratio, making torque generation more efficient while adding only minimal structural complexity compared to direct rotation.
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 the attachment of the sucker to a surface with decreased force compared to conventional methods, improving user convenience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The rack pushes the sucker to apply a suction force to the surface when the rack is in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing device is provided. The fixing device is fixed to a surface, comprising a sucker, a rack, a gear, a transforming unit and a limiting unit. The rack is connected to the sucker. The gear is engaged to the rack. The transforming unit is connected to the gear. The transforming unit rotates the gear to move the rack between a first position and a second position. The rack pushes the sucker to apply a suction force to the surface when the rack is in the first position, and the suction force of the sucker is released when the rack is in the second position. The limiting unit is connected to the rack to restrict the rack.