Suction Cup Structure for Vehicle Display Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of external electronic devices in vehicles face the challenge of not being able to clearly view the device's display due to the need to lower their head when the fastening base is attached to a vehicle's air outlet or cigar-lighter, prompting the need for an alternative attachment method that allows for easier adjustment and clearer visibility.
Innovation Solution
A suction cup structure comprising a holder base, a suction cup, a lifting rod, a spring, a slide bolt, and a button arm, where the button arm and slide bolt work together to drive the lifting rod, generating suction to attach the device to the windshield, allowing for adjustable and clear display viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fastening base is attached to the air outlet or cigar-lighter using a clip, then the device can be securely fastened, but the user must lower their head to view the display clearly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connecting rod with suction cup as an intermediary component between the fastening base and the vehicle. This mediator allows the base to be attached to the windshield at a higher position, solving the viewing angle problem without requiring complex modifications to the base itself
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from attaching the fastening base to horizontal surfaces (air outlet, cigar-lighter) to attaching it to the vertical windshield surface. This dimensional change in attachment location enables the user to view the display at a natural angle without lowering their head
2Ease of operation
If the suction cup is used to attach the fastening base to the windshield through a connecting rod, then the user can view the display clearly without lowering their head, but the suction cup structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The suction cup mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the suction cup itself, the lifting rod for height adjustment, the spring for maintaining suction force, and the button arm with activation pieces for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall structure manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamic adjustment mechanism that allows the lifting rod to move vertically within the sleeve, enabling the suction cup to be positioned at different heights. This dynamic capability provides viewing angle adjustment while using simple mechanical components rather than complex systems
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lifting rod is driven by the button arm and slide bolt, then the suction cup can be lifted to improve viewing position, but the mechanism requires multiple components working together
Solution Approach 1:
The spring component automatically maintains constant suction force by exerting upward force on the lifting rod, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control mechanisms. The button arm and slide bolt provide simple manual actuation that converts rotational motion into vertical lifting motion through straightforward mechanical engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The button arm rotates about a fixed axis to convert rotational input into linear motion of the slide bolt, which then drives the lifting rod vertically. This curved motion path simplifies the actuation mechanism compared to direct linear actuation methods
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 suction cup structure enables users to attach and detach the device from the windshield easily, maintaining clear visibility of the display without needing to lower their head, providing convenience and flexibility in adjusting the device's position.
Implementation Method 1
a suction cup structure that allows a suction cup to generate the suction
Implementation Method 2
the spring will generate a release force to prevent the lifting rod from moving toward the direction of the release force
Data Source
AI summary
A suction cup structure includes a suction cup, a lifting rod, a holder base, a slide bolt, a radial arm and an axial-bolt. The lifting rod is vertically connected to the suction cup, and has a through hole with horizontal penetration. The sleeve of the holder base has a rotation axis hole with horizontal penetration and a slide notch. The lifting rod is disposed in a sleeve of the holder base. The suction cup is under a disk body of the holder base. The slide bolt passes through a first hole of the button arm, the slide notch and the through hole. The axial-bolt also passes through the rotation axis hole and a second hole of the button arm. By pressing a button end of the button arm, an activation piece of the button arm rotates based on the axial-bolt to pull the slide bolt. The slide bolt then slides toward the upper portion from the lower portion of the first hole, and slides into the slide notch simultaneously to lift the lifting rod. The suction cup is therefore lifted to generate the suction.