Vacuum Connector Release Mechanism for Impact-Resistant Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting devices for attaching electronic devices to assemblies, such as cameras or mobile phones, face challenges in being easily closed and opened while maintaining a secure connection, especially under impact loads, and in absorbing impulse-like forces without loosening.

Innovation Solution

A connecting device featuring a closure module with a housing assembly, an adjustably mounted adjustment element, and a vacuum element that creates a sealed space for secure attachment, allowing the adjustment element to be tilted in various directions to release a flow opening for air inflow, thereby detaching the vacuum element from the attachment assembly, and incorporating magnetic elements for enhanced holding force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a vacuum element is used to secure an electronic device to a surface, then the holding force is improved, but the ease of opening the connection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting element is designed to be movable relative to the housing assembly, transitioning between a closed position (maintaining vacuum seal) and an open position (breaking vacuum seal). This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be easily opened by moving the adjusting element, while maintaining strong holding force when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting element acts as an intermediary component between the user's action and the vacuum seal. By moving this intermediate element, the user can control the sealing state of the vacuum element, enabling easy opening without directly breaking the vacuum seal between the vacuum element and the mounting surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If the adjusting element is fixed to the housing assembly, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting element is designed to be movable relative to the housing assembly, transitioning between a closed position (maintaining vacuum seal) and an open position (breaking vacuum seal). This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be easily opened by moving the adjusting element, while maintaining strong holding force when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the adjusting element can only move in a linear direction, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation under shock load deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidease of operation under shock load
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting element is designed to be movable relative to the housing assembly, transitioning between a closed position (maintaining vacuum seal) and an open position (breaking vacuum seal). This dynamic mechanism allows the connection to be easily opened by moving the adjusting element, while maintaining strong holding force when closed.

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 device provides a secure, impact-resistant connection that can absorb and dissipate forces effectively while being easy to close and open, ensuring the electronic devices remain attached during use and can be easily detached when needed.

Implementation Method 1

the vacuum element and the attachment assembly are held together by a vacuum effect between the vacuum element and the attachment assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum effect: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a magnetic element is arranged on the suction cup that can interact with a magnetic element on the windshield to improve the hold

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic action: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3911863B1Connecting apparatus for releasably connecting two assemblies
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 FIDLOCK GMBH

AI summary

A connecting apparatus (1) for releasably connecting two assemblies (4, 5) comprises a fastener module (2), which is assigned to a first of the assemblies (4, 5) and which has a housing assembly, an adjusting element (22) arranged adjustably on the housing assembly, and a negative-pressure element (27), and also an attachment assembly (3), which is assigned to a second of the assemblies (4, 5), wherein the negative-pressure element (27) can be connected to the attachment assembly (3) along an attachment direction (A) and, in a connected position, interacts with the attachment assembly (3) in such a way that, under loading of the fastener module (2) and the attachment assembly (3) relative to one another, the negative-pressure element (27) and the attachment assembly (3) are held against one another owing to an action of negative pressure between the negative-pressure element (27) and the attachment assembly (3). To release the negative-pressure element (27) from the attachment assembly (3), the adjusting element (22) is tiltable about different spatial directions with respect to the housing assembly in order to open up a flow opening (201) in the housing assembly for an inflow of air into a space (B) present between the negative-pressure element (27) and the attachment assembly (3).