Suction Cup Securing Assembly with Locking Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suction cups are not robust enough to securely attach to surfaces, often sliding or dislodging due to the weight of products they hold, especially when used in refrigerated compartments.
Innovation Solution
A securing assembly comprising a suction cup, a locking member, and a suction securing nut, where the nut's rotation increases the suction force by urging a beveled rim of the locking member into an annular lip of the suction cup, enhancing the vacuum and preventing movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard suction cups are used to secure components to surfaces, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates due to sliding and dislodging under load
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup is divided into multiple functional components: a suctioning base for creating the vacuum seal, a stem with threaded surface for attachment, and a locking member with beveled rim for mechanical reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while collectively providing reliable securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is nested within the suction cup structure, with the beveled rim positioned inside the suctioning base. The locking member can be inserted through the suction cup assembly and secured with a nut, creating a nested configuration that reinforces the connection without adding external bulk.
2Strength
If the suction cup structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the strength of the connection deteriorates under heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The suctioning base features a localized flattened interior circular body that creates a concentrated vacuum seal area, while the outer annular lip provides structural reinforcement at the perimeter. This local quality differentiation optimizes both the suction force generation and the structural strength without requiring complex overall design.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing assembly combines multiple material properties: the suctioning base material provides flexible sealing capability, while the locking member and stem materials provide structural strength and thread engagement. This composite approach allows each component to be manufactured from materials optimized for its specific function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional suction cups are used without locking mechanisms, then the ease of operation is high, but the stability of the connection deteriorates due to movement and sliding
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is pre-positioned within the suction cup assembly during manufacturing, with the beveled rim already configured inside the suctioning base. This preliminary action ensures that when the suction cup is installed, the locking mechanism is already in place to prevent movement, eliminating the need for separate locking steps during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The beveled rim of the locking member acts as an intermediary element between the suctioning base and the external load. It provides a mechanical interface that translates the suction force into a stable, movement-resistant connection, mediating between the vacuum seal and the external forces applied to the secured component.
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 assembly provides a strong, reliable, and robust connection to surfaces, significantly reducing slippage and dislodging, even under heavy loads, by increasing the suctioning force beyond standard suction cups.
Implementation Method 1
suction cup that may removably secure to a glass surface of a door of a refrigerated compartment
Implementation Method 2
Rotation of the suction securing nut into a securing relationship with the suction cup urges a first portion of the locking member into a second portion of the suction cup and increases a suctioning securing force
Data Source
AI summary
A securing assembly is configured to removably secure a structure to a surface of a component. The securing assembly includes a suction cup, a locking member coupled to the suction cup, and a suction securing nut coupled to the suction cup and the locking member.