Suction Cup Holder Structure for Stable Vacuum Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction cup mounts tend to wobble and vibrate due to the soft material used for the suction plate, limiting the load that can be mounted and causing the vacuum seal to rupture under lateral forces.

Innovation Solution

A suction cup holder with a flexible connection between the suction plate and housing, where the suction plate has a peripheral groove and the housing has a corresponding edge, allowing the housing to release when excessive forces are applied, and a lever device that lifts the suction plate at multiple spaced points for increased contact pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the suction plate is made of soft material to achieve a seal on the surface, then the vacuum seal is improved, but the housing is able to lift off the suction plate under load or vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum sealVSAvoidhousing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the housing and suction plate is designed to be dynamically adaptable: under normal conditions the housing rests stably on the suction plate, but under excessive load or vibration the soft suction plate deforms to allow the housing to lift off, preventing damage to the vacuum seal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The suction plate's material properties are optimized to change its rigidity based on applied force - remaining firm under normal operational loads to maintain housing stability, but deforming under excessive forces to release the housing and protect the vacuum seal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the central area of the suction plate is lifted with the lever, then the connection between the suction cup and the surface is strengthened, but the suction cup mount tends to wobble and vibrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction connectionVSAvoidmount stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The lever device creates a dynamic balancing effect where lifting the central area of the suction plate increases suction force, while the housing resting on the suction plate provides a counterbalancing stabilizing force that prevents wobbling and vibration during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the housing rests on the suction plate to provide stability, then the housing stability is improved, but the housing is able to lift off the suction plate under load or vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing stabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between housing and suction plate is designed to be conditionally stable - providing firm stability under normal operational conditions, but allowing controlled separation under excessive load or vibration to prevent damage to the vacuum seal and maintain overall system reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides stability under normal operational forces while releasing the housing at high loads, preventing vacuum seal rupture and allowing for higher loads to be securely attached without wobbling, enhancing the suction cup's holding power and stability.

Implementation Method 1

the suction plate positionable on a substantially flat surface... the necessary vacuum is built up to press the suction plate against the surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

lever means for raising a central portion of that suction plate relative to a support frame which bears on a peripheral portion of the suction plate... the more the central area is lifted with the lever, the more firmly the suction plate attaches itself to the smooth surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3440367B1Suction cup holder comprising a suction plate and a casing
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 TORMAXX
  • EP3440367B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3440367B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3440367B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a suction cup mounting comprising a suction face and a housing. The suction face and housing are interconnected such that the housing can be pressed against the suction face, and the suction face has a continuous connection to a retaining frame of the housing, said connection being released by means of a defined releasing force acting on the housing.