Suction Handle Grip With Vacuum Loss Indication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handle devices that use suction to attach to surfaces can lose vacuum over time, leading to unreliable attachment and potential accidents, as they do not reliably indicate a decrease in vacuum, causing users to hold on to devices that may suddenly detach.

Innovation Solution

A handle device with a vacuum loss indicator that moves relative to the suction head, using static friction and a spring force to indicate a decrease in vacuum through a visibly and tactilely distinct display element, ensuring users are aware of the loss and can reposition the device for a secure attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a suction head is used to attach the handle device to a flat surface, then the handle device can be easily installed and moved, but the vacuum decreases over time leading to unreliable attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidattachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a vacuum loss indicator device that provides continuous feedback about the vacuum status. The indicator includes a display element that changes position or appearance based on the vacuum level, allowing users to monitor the attachment reliability in real-time and know when the suction is no longer sufficient for safe use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a spring element that is pre-loaded to push the display element into a visible position before vacuum loss occurs. This preliminary mechanical preparation ensures that when vacuum degradation happens, the indicator is already in position to immediately signal the status change without delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If no vacuum indicator is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but users cannot detect vacuum loss and may hold on to detached devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidvacuum status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes visual changes in the display element to communicate vacuum status. The indicator may change color, position, or visibility state to clearly distinguish between sufficient and insufficient vacuum conditions, providing intuitive information feedback without requiring complex electronic displays or additional components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Reliability

If a display element coupled via spring element is used to indicate vacuum loss, then vacuum status can be clearly indicated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum indication reliabilityVSAvoidindicator device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a spring element as a mechanical intermediary between the vacuum chamber and the display element. This simple mechanical component translates the vacuum pressure changes into visible display element movement, providing reliable indication while avoiding the need for complex electronic sensors, motors, or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 warns users of a reduced vacuum, preventing accidents by providing a clear indication of when the handle device is no longer securely attached, thus ensuring safety and reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum is created between the flat surface and the suction cup

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the rubberised/elastic suction cup is pulled upwards away from the flat surface, as a result of which it is transferred into its operative position, so that a vacuum is created

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

a spring element coupled to the display element and having whose spring force acts against the vacuum force acting in the direction of the flat surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 4

The display element and bolt can be moved relative to one another and are held in contact with one another by static friction generated by the vacuum force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStatic friction: Static Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2157900B1Handle grip device
Publication Date: 2016.12.14 ROTH ECKART
  • EP2157900B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2157900B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP2157900B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a handle grip device, in particular an aid to standing up for people in a sanitary environment, comprising a handle bar (12) with at least one suction head (14) with a suction plate (15) or a suction piston (50) and an operating device (17) for the suction plate (15) or suction piston (50) arranged at at least one handle end (13a, 13b) or between both handle ends (13a, 13b), such that by operating the operating device (17) the at least one suction head (14) may be attached by suction to a porous surface with formation of a vacuum acting between the porous surface and the suction plate (15) or suction piston (50) and detachable therefrom by releasing said vacuum, provided with a vacuum loss display device (22) corresponding to a reduction in the vacuum.