Vacuum-Suction Holder for Stable Grip and Easy Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holders that use suction cups to secure foodstuff receptacles on countertops can be difficult to remove due to strong attachment, making it challenging to manipulate items without applying force or risking tilting.

Innovation Solution

A holder with a suction port on the bottom face that creates a partial vacuum, allowing for easy removal by ending the vacuum action and using a large suction pad for secure adherence, featuring a vacuum pump driven by an electric motor and gaskets for enhanced stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If suction cups are used to secure the holder to the countertop, then the holder is prevented from moving or tilting during item manipulation, but the holder becomes difficult to remove requiring application of force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder stabilityVSAvoidholder removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The suction system transitions from a static strong attachment (suction cups) to a dynamic controllable attachment (vacuum pump with on/off control). The vacuum pump can be activated to create strong suction for stability during use, and deactivated to release the holder for easy removal, making the attachment strength adjustable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the suction function from permanent suction cups and relocates it to a controllable vacuum pump system. This separates the suction generation function from the attachment mechanism, allowing the suction to be activated only when needed for stability and deactivated when removal is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Strength

If a large suction pad is used to secure the holder, then stronger adherence force and more rigid connection are achieved, but the suction area increases making the holder larger

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadherence forceVSAvoidsuction pad area
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a vacuum pump to create a partial vacuum within the suction pad, utilizing pneumatic pressure differential to generate strong adherence force. The vacuum pump creates negative pressure that pulls the suction pad against the countertop surface, achieving strong attachment without requiring a large physical pad area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the pressure parameter within the suction pad by creating a partial vacuum environment. By reducing the pressure inside the suction pad relative to atmospheric pressure, strong adherence force is generated without increasing the physical dimensions of the holder or suction pad.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 attachment and easy removal of the holder from the countertop without applying force, providing a stronger and more rigid connection to prevent inadvertent movement or tilting, facilitating one-handed use and efficient item handling.

Implementation Method 1

A holder (1) for securing an item (20), such as a foodstuff receptacle, by suction created by a vacuum pump (14) driven by an electric drive motor (13)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the bottom gasket (6) surrounding the bottom suction port (8) on the bottom face (4) forms a bottom suction pad

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction adhesion: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3981300B1A holder and method for securing an item by suction
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 HANDIGOOD APS
  • EP3981300B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3981300B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3981300B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A holder (1) and method for securing an item (20), such as a receptacle (20) for receiving foodstuff. The holder (1) comprises a housing (2), the housing (2) has a top face (3) configured for supporting a bottom side of the item (20) and a bottom face (4) configured for being placed on a table-, counter- or desktop (22). A top suction port (7) is arranged in the top face (3). A bottom suction port (8) is arranged in the bottom face (4). The holder (1) is provided with a vacuum pump (14). The vacuum pump (14) is connected to the top suction port (7) for creating a partial vacuum between the top face (3) and the bottom side of the item (20) for securing the item (20) to the holder (1) by suction, and the vacuum pump (14) is connected to the bottom suction port (8) for creating a partial vacuum between the bottom face (4) and the table-, counter- or desktop (22) for securing the holder (1) to the table-, counter- or desktop (22) by suction.