Remote Suction Immobilizer for Precise Work in Free Fall

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In orbital or free-fall environments, such as the International Space Station, traditional immobility devices like straps and foot loops are cumbersome and inadequate for tasks requiring precision, causing discomfort and incomplete stabilization.

Innovation Solution

A remote-controlled immobility device featuring suction cups with a solenoid valve and air passage system, allowing for secure attachment and easy release from surfaces, enabling precise movement and positioning without the need for straps or foot loops.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If straps are used for immobility, then positioning stability is improved, but comfort deteriorates due to calluses and difficulty to wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoiddiscomfort and calluses

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical strap system with a pneumatic suction cup system. The suction cups create vacuum-based adhesion to the surface, eliminating the need for straps that cause discomfort. The valve mechanism controls air flow to create and release the vacuum, providing comfortable yet effective positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic principles through suction cups connected to a valve system. By controlling air flow into and out of the suction cups, the system creates variable adhesion forces that provide stable positioning without mechanical constraint, thereby eliminating strap-related discomfort while maintaining positioning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stability of the object's composition

If foot loops are used for immobility, then positioning stability is improved, but precision deteriorates for experiments requiring accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidexperimental precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic immobility system where the valve can be activated to release the suction cups, allowing easy transition between fixed and mobile states. This dynamic control enables precise positioning for experiments when needed, while maintaining stability during tasks requiring immobility, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the adhesion parameter of the suction cups by controlling air flow through the valve. By adjusting the vacuum level or releasing it completely, the system can adapt between providing strong positioning stability and allowing free movement for precision experiments, thereby resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If suction cups are used for immobility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to valve and air passage components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of attachment and releaseVSAvoidvalve and air passage system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical attachment mechanisms with a simple pneumatic system. The valve controls air flow to create vacuum adhesion, and releasing the vacuum automatically detaches the suction cups. This substitution simplifies the operation (easy attachment/release) while the valve and air passages represent a manageable level of complexity for the gained operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device provides secure immobilization in free-fall conditions, reducing operator discomfort and enabling precise work by allowing easy attachment and detachment, thus enhancing operational efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

at least one suction cup configured to engage the immobility device to a surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the valve is a solenoid valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid actuation: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS11680600B2Suction apparatus for immobility in free fall

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

AI summary

An immobility system for a free-fall environment includes an immobility device including at least one suction cup configured to engage the immobility device to a surface, and a valve that, when activated, results in release of the at least one suction cup from engagement with the surface. A remote controller is spaced apart from the valve and is configured to selectably transmit an activation signal to the valve. An immobility device includes at least one suction cup configured to engage the immobility device to a surface, and a valve that, when activated, results in release of the at least one suction cup from engagement with the surface. A receiver at the device is configured to receive an activation signal and activate the valve.