Suction Cup With Force Display And Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction cup fastening devices for vehicles lack adjustable holding power, leading to detachment under varying environmental conditions and surface types, and require cumbersome manual adjustments, posing safety risks during use.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a display and actuating button that measures and adjusts suction force using a resilient element, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of suction power, enabling secure attachment without manual reassembly and alignment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If mechanical lever mechanisms or springs are used to exert tensile force on the suction cup, then holding force is generated, but the suction cup comes loose with minor changes in ambient conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidattachment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an electronic measuring device that continuously monitors the suction force and provides feedback through a display indicator. This allows real-time detection of suction force changes, enabling the user to adjust the suction cup position or reattach it before complete detachment occurs, thereby preventing the reliability issue caused by ambient condition changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical lever mechanisms and spring systems with a simpler direct attachment system. The electronic measuring device and indicator replace the need for mechanical feedback systems, eliminating the complexity and reliability issues associated with mechanical adjustment mechanisms while maintaining adequate holding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Force

If high vacuum is generated in the suction chamber, then holding force is increased, but the suction cup detaches quickly under changing environmental conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidadaptability to environmental conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic measuring device continuously monitors suction force and provides real-time feedback through the display indicator. This enables the user to detect when environmental changes affect suction performance and make timely adjustments, allowing the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining adequate holding force without requiring excessively high vacuum levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If manual checking and reassembly of the holder is required, then attachment stability can be verified, but the process requires two hands and realignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment verificationVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-monitoring system where the electronic measuring device automatically detects suction force levels and the display indicator provides continuous visual feedback about attachment status. This eliminates the need for manual checking and reassembly operations, as the system continuously monitors and alerts the user to attachment status without requiring hands-on verification or realignment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The display indicator provides continuous visual feedback about suction force adequacy, allowing the user to verify attachment status at a glance without manual intervention. This feedback mechanism replaces the need for manual checking and makes the system self-monitoring, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining reliability verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Force

If the holder is pressed against the working surface for reattachment, then suction force is restored, but assembly difficulties occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction forceVSAvoidreassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic measuring device and display indicator provide real-time feedback during the reattachment process, showing when adequate suction force is achieved. This guides the user through the reattachment process, indicating when the holder has been properly positioned and sufficient vacuum established, thereby eliminating assembly difficulties and reducing the effort required for reattachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures secure attachment of devices like navigation systems by allowing one-handed operation to maintain optimal suction force, adapting to different surfaces and conditions, and providing visual and acoustic feedback for safe functioning.

Implementation Method 1

the vacuum can become too weak to hold the fastened devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

Suction holders that are equipped with the widespread clamping mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

the vacuum breaks down immediately due to the lack of elasticity in the suction cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

systems that use springs of different constructions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2386771B1Suction cup with suction strength display
Publication Date: 2015.08.26 TORMAXX
  • EP2386771B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2386771B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2386771B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The device (31) has reference coils (38, 39) measuring suction force, and a color marker indicating the suction force. An actuating head (34) increases the suction force, and a compression spring i.e. helical spring, is pressed against the actuating head that is supported in a sleeve (35). A coil is arranged in the actuating head and the sleeve such that displacement of the actuating head to the sleeve is measured. A pre-tensioning lever fixes the actuating head against force of the helical spring. The actuating head is pressed downward in the sleeve that is fixed at a housing (32).