Suction pump and depression-retaining device with suction pump and method for fixation of a depression-retaining device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional suction cup attachments require complex processes and multiple parts, making them difficult for inexperienced users to operate and maintain, particularly in creating and re-establishing a vacuum for detachable holding devices.

Innovation Solution

A simplified suction pump design comprising a suction tube and piston with ventilation openings at the end of the suction path, allowing ambient air to enter and abruptly end the suction process, which automatically re-seals the valve, reducing the number of parts and simplifying the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional suction pump design is used with a complex valve system, then the vacuum holding device can be detached and reattached, but the structure becomes complicated and the operation becomes difficult for inexperienced users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachable holding deviceVSAvoidvalve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex valve system from the suction pump and replaces it with a simple opening in the suction tube wall. The suction piston itself performs the sealing function by blocking the opening during retraction, eliminating the need for separate valve components while maintaining the detachable holding device functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction piston serves dual functions: it creates the vacuum by retracting and simultaneously seals the suction tube opening by its own presence. The system uses the piston's own movement and position to control the sealing and opening, eliminating the need for separate valve mechanisms operated by the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If the suction piston is reinserted into the suction tube for repeated suction processes, then the suction process can be restarted, but the suction tube must be removed from the valve seat and reinserted, increasing the number of steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepeated suction processVSAvoidreinsertion process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The opening in the suction tube wall is pre-positioned to align with the suction piston's path. When the piston is reinserted, it automatically blocks the opening at the correct position without requiring precise manual alignment or separate valve operation, simplifying the repeated suction process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If ventilation openings are added at the end of the suction path, then ambient air can enter to abruptly end the suction process and re-seal the valve, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction process terminationVSAvoidventilation opening structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation opening is integrated directly into the suction tube wall at the end of the suction path, merging the air intake function with the existing suction tube structure. This eliminates the need for separate ventilation components while enabling automatic suction termination when ambient air enters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the suction piston seal seals tightly against the suction pipe wall, then a vacuum can be maintained, but friction increases making the piston difficult to move

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum sealVSAvoidfriction force
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing function is concentrated at specific locations: the piston seal against the suction tube wall during retraction, and the suction piston blocking the opening at the end position. The seal is designed to provide sufficient vacuum while the opening geometry and piston fit control the friction characteristics, balancing sealing reliability with ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This design simplifies the suction process, reduces the number of parts required, and ensures a technically simple and user-friendly operation for generating and re-establishing a vacuum in suction cup mounts, facilitating easy attachment and detachment of objects without damaging surfaces.

Implementation Method 1

By pulling the suction piston out of the suction pipe, the desired negative pressure is generated in the negative pressure chamber due to the associated suction effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

the suction piston having a piston head with a piston seal at one end, the piston seal sealingly resting on the inside of the suction pipe wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 3

the piston seal sealingly resting on the inside of the suction pipe wall of the suction piston

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 4

the intake manifold at the end of the intake path has one or more ventilation openings in the intake manifold wall and the piston seal can be guided past the ventilation openings so that ambient air flows into the piston interior

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3568594B1Suction pump and depression-retaining device with suction pump and method for fixation of a depression-retaining device
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 SCHMIDT PATRICK
  • EP3568594B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3568594B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a suction pump (1), having a suction tube (4) and a suction piston (5), for producing a negative pressure in a negative-pressure retaining device (2), to a set consisting of the negative-pressure retaining device (2) and of the suction pump (1), and to a method for attaching the negative-pressure retaining device (2).