Quick-Release Vacuum Connector With Movable Venting Anchor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anchoring apparatus, such as suction cups and suction seal stabilizers, face challenges in quick and effortless release from surfaces, often requiring brute force or complex mechanical stoppers, and lack a universal solution for versatile and easy detachment.
Innovation Solution
A universal quick-release vacuum connector with a flexible outer seal member, central hub, and vent port closure member, allowing for a controlled pressure zone that maintains a negative pressure differential for secure attachment and easy release by venting the pressure zone while remaining attached to the object.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a suction cup or suction seal stabilizer is used for anchoring, then secure attachment to surfaces is achieved through negative pressure differential, but release from the surface requires brute force or complex mechanical stoppers
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring device is segmented into a base portion and a movable anchor member portion. The anchor member can move independently relative to the base, allowing the vent port to be opened by simple movement of the anchor member without requiring brute force or complex mechanisms. This segmentation enables easy release while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member is designed to be movable relative to the base, transforming the static anchoring system into a dynamic one. The movable anchor member can automatically vent the pressure zone when moved, providing quick release capability. This dynamic design eliminates the need for complex mechanical stoppers while maintaining reliable attachment during use.
2Reliability
If existing anchoring apparatus are used, then attachment to surfaces is achieved, but the solution lacks versatility for different objects and surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed as a universal anchoring system that can attach to various surfaces and secure different types of objects. The base portion can be attached to different surfaces using various methods (adhesive, magnetic, mechanical), and the anchor member can accommodate different objects. This universal design provides both reliable attachment and broad adaptability across different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The base portion is pre-configured with attachment mechanisms that can be prepared in advance for different surfaces. The anchor member is pre-positioned to automatically vent the pressure zone when needed. This preliminary configuration enables the device to adapt to various objects and surfaces without requiring complex adjustments during use, enhancing both reliability and versatility.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical stoppers are used for venting the pressure zone, then release is possible, but the mechanism becomes complex and requires specific movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The complex mechanical stopper mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simple movable anchor member design. The vent port is directly accessible through movement of the anchor member itself, eliminating the need for separate stoppers and complex mechanical linkages. This simplification maintains release capability while dramatically reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor member serves dual functions: it maintains the vacuum seal during operation and automatically vents the pressure zone when moved. The anchor member itself performs the venting action without requiring separate mechanical stoppers or complex mechanisms. This self-service design simplifies the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation for release.
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
Enables secure and effortless attachment and detachment of objects to various surfaces without the need for brute force, providing a versatile and efficient anchoring solution.
Implementation Method 1
A negative pressure differential is generated in which the pressure within the volumetric cavity is lower than the ambient air pressure outside the cavity, thereby resulting in a partial vacuum. The partial vacuum produces a suction force
Implementation Method 2
the seal member has a natural tendency to return to its initial configuration. As this rebounding occurs, the volumetric cavity that lies inside the peripheral rim between the seal member's lower side and the reference surface begins to enlarge
Implementation Method 3
The vent port closure member is arranged to close or assist in closing the vent port inner end depending on the position of the anchor member relative to the base. The controlled pressure zone maintains a negative pressure differential relative to an external ambient pressure when the vent port inner end is closed
Data Source
AI summary
A universal quick-release vacuum connector includes a base removably attachable to an object. A vacuum formation-and-release actuator includes a movable anchor member that establishes a releasable vacuum connection with a reference surface. The anchor member includes a flexible outer seal member, a central hub integrally formed with the flexible outer seal member, and a vent port extending through the central hub. A vent port closure member closes or assists in closing a vent port inner end depending on the position of the anchor member relative to the base to establish a controlled pressure zone that maintains a negative pressure differential relative to an external ambient pressure. The releasable vacuum connection is releasable by virtue of the anchor member and the base being movable relative to each other in a manner that vents the controlled pressure zone while the base remains attached to the object.