Vacuum Cup Assembly With Movable Holder For Quick Suction Pad Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum cup assemblies face issues with the adhesion method of suction pads, leading to gaps, damage, and difficulty in removal and mounting, resulting in external air introduction and reduced durability.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum cup assembly with a vertically-movable holder and elastic member, such as a conical spring, compressively fixes the suction pad to the fastener, allowing easy removal and mounting without tools and preventing damage, while maintaining a seal through a ball joint for rotational adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction pad is fixed to the fastener using adhesive or insert-molding method, then the suction pad is securely attached, but the suction pad cannot be easily removed or mounted and causes monetary loss when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the vacuum cup assembly into separable components: the fastener (ring-shaped body) and the suction pad are designed as independent replaceable parts. The suction pad can be detached from the fastener and reattached without damaging the fastener itself, allowing easy replacement of only the worn suction pad while preserving the valuable fastener component.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a dynamic fastening mechanism using elastic members (springs) that provide adjustable clamping force. The holder with movable pressing portion allows the suction pad to be securely held during operation while enabling easy removal when needed, transitioning between secure attachment and easy removal states.
2Reliability
If the suction pad is made of flexible material such as silicone or rubber, then adhesion and sealing ability are improved, but wear resistance and durability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the sealing function from the structural support function. The flexible suction pad provides sealing and adhesion, while the rigid fastener provides structural support. This segmentation allows the suction pad to be easily replaced when worn, while the durable fastener remains in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables the suction pad to be discarded (removed and replaced) when it wears out, while the valuable fastener is recovered and reused. This extends the overall system durability by allowing selective replacement of only the consumable suction pad component.
3Ease of operation
If a fastening method using bolts is used to secure the suction pad, then the suction pad can be removed and mounted, but the pad is subjected to deformation or damage by the load of an article
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the bolt fastening system with an elastic clamping system using springs. This substitution eliminates the need for holes or attachment points in the suction pad that would compromise its structural integrity, while still providing secure fastening that allows easy removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses the flexible nature of the suction pad to its advantage by designing a clamping mechanism that applies pressure around the perimeter rather than through puncture points. The elastic member presses the suction pad against the fastener surface, maintaining pad integrity while enabling removal and reattachment.
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 quick and easy replacement of suction pads, prevents external air introduction, and ensures long-term reliability with a secure seal and balanced vacuum operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member supported against the body at one end to elastically force the ring member to compress and fix the suction pad
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum pump is actuated using compressed air so as to discharge air to the outside from the inside of a vacuum cup, thereby holding and transferring an article to a predetermined position using the resulting negative pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vacuum cup assembly designed to quickly and easily remove and mount a suction pad. The assembly comprises: a pipe-shaped body having a first passage for discharging air; a vacuum cup coupled to a lower end of the body; and a movable holder disposed between the body and the vacuum cup. Here, the vacuum cup includes a ring-shaped fastener, and a suction pad mounted on an outer surface flange of the fastener, wherein the holder resiliently presses and fixes the mounted suction pad against the fastener. Here, the inner space of the suction pad is in communication with the first passage of the body. The pressed and fixed state is negated when the holder is moved upwards, whereupon the suction pad can be easily removed and mounted.