Self-anchoring low-profile container anchor with directional release and attachment capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container designs fail to effectively prevent tipping and spillage for various types of containers holding liquids, semi-liquids, or solids, especially when subjected to side loads, and often require discernible manipulation for re-seating after being lifted for use.
Innovation Solution
A self-anchoring, low-profile container anchor with directional release and attachment capability, featuring a container support assembly with a lower base member and an upper movable member that creates a controlled pressure zone through a seal member and valve system, allowing the container to remain affixed to a surface without resistance during normal lifting and tilting, while venting to prevent tipping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a container anchor uses suction cups to grip the container, then the container can be stably held on a supporting surface, but the container cannot be easily removed without significant force
Solution Approach 1:
The inner cylinders are designed to be movable relative to the outer cylinders, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic mechanism allows the anchor to automatically adjust its gripping force: when the container is placed, gravity causes the inner cylinders to retract and seal the suction cups for stable attachment; when the container is lifted, the inner cylinders extend to open the seals and release the vacuum, enabling easy removal without significant force
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor system uses the weight of the container itself to trigger the release mechanism. When the container is lifted, gravity causes the inner cylinders to extend automatically, opening the valve seals and releasing the vacuum without requiring additional user action. The system serves itself by using the lifting action to automatically initiate the release sequence
2Reliability
If the anchor provides strong anchoring force to prevent tipping, then the container is stable against side loads, but the anchor creates resistance when the container is lifted for normal use
Solution Approach 1:
The directional release mechanism uses a pin and slot arrangement with a biasing spring to create different resistance characteristics in different directions. Strong anchoring force is provided against lateral tipping movements through the sealed suction cups, while lifting in the vertical direction automatically triggers the inner cylinder extension and valve opening, allowing easy removal without resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor mechanism exhibits asymmetric behavior: it provides strong resistance to lateral forces (tipping) through the sealed suction cups, but offers minimal resistance to vertical lifting forces. The inner cylinders and valve seals are positioned and dimensioned to respond differently to lateral versus vertical loads, creating the desired directional release capability
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 effectively prevents container tipping and spillage by maintaining a partial vacuum to resist side loads and allows for effortless lifting and re-seating without discernible resistance, ensuring the container remains securely attached to a surface during use.
Implementation Method 1
A seal member is disposed on a lower side of the base member interior structure. The seal member has a lower side configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a periphery of a controlled pressure zone between the seal member and the reference surface.
Implementation Method 2
When the sealing valve is lifted from the valve seat due to the movable member being raised past the first predetermined distance, the controlled pressure zone is vented to atmospheric pressure. On the other hand, the controlled pressure zone is maintained when the movable member is tilted the second predetermined distance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A self-anchoring, low profile container anchor with directional release and attachment capability comprises a lower base member, an upper movable member adapted for attachment to a container, and a seal member on the base member. The seal member is configured to engage an external reference surface and form a substantially airtight seal therewith that defines a periphery of a controlled pressure zone. A sealing valve disposed on a valve seat is operably connected to the movable member for lifting off the valve seat and vent the controlled pressure zone when the movable member is raised a first predetermined distance. However, the movable member can tilt a second predetermined tilting distance without the sealing valve lifting off the valve seat, thus providing tilt resistance.