Active Vacuum Mounting Modules for Vehicle Roof Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for releasably securing objects to vehicles or other surfaces are often limited by the varying shapes and sizes of vehicle roofs and lack of permanently secured structural elements, and they fail to provide adequate theft deterrence and safety standards.
Innovation Solution
An active object mounting system utilizing vacuum mounting modules with vacuum pumps, microcontrollers, and transceivers to create a controlled vacuum for secure attachment and release, ensuring semi-permanent attachment while maintaining safety and theft resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical fastening methods are used to secure objects to vehicles, then the securing mechanism is simple and reliable, but the system cannot adapt to varying vehicle roof shapes and sizes and lacks theft deterrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with a vacuum-based securing system. The vacuum mounting module uses a vacuum pump to create negative pressure within a vacuum cup, generating holding force through pressure differential rather than mechanical interlocking. This substitution enables adaptation to various surface geometries while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using a vacuum pump to create a controlled vacuum environment within the mounting module. The vacuum cup utilizes atmospheric pressure to press the payload against the vehicle surface, with the vacuum pump maintaining the pressure differential. This pneumatic mechanism provides both adaptability to different surfaces and enhanced security.
2Reliability
If permanently secured structural elements are used on vehicles, then cargo carriers can be securely mounted, but the mounting structure requires damage to the vehicle and reduces versatility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent mechanical fastening (screws, bolts, adhesives) with a reversible vacuum-based system. The vacuum mounting module attaches to the vehicle surface through atmospheric pressure differential created by the vacuum pump, eliminating the need for structural modifications. This provides both reliable mounting and full vehicle versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static permanent mounting to dynamic reversible mounting. The vacuum system can be actively engaged and disengaged through electronic control, allowing the mounting force to be adjusted or completely released. This dynamic capability enables secure attachment when needed while preserving vehicle integrity and versatility.
3Reliability
If simple vacuum mounting without control systems is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the system cannot provide theft deterrence or meet safety standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control through sensors that monitor vacuum pressure levels within the mounting module. The microcontroller receives feedback from these sensors and adjusts the vacuum pump operation accordingly, maintaining optimal holding force. This feedback mechanism ensures safety by detecting attachment status and preventing operation under unsafe conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vacuum mounting module incorporates self-diagnostic and self-regulating capabilities. The system automatically monitors its own attachment status through integrated sensors and adjusts its operation without external intervention. This self-service functionality enhances safety and theft deterrence while managing system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 3:
The patent introduces a microcontroller as an intermediary between the vacuum pump, sensors, and control signals. This intermediary coordinates the operation of multiple components, implementing safety logic and theft deterrence features through centralized control. The transceiver acts as another intermediary, enabling remote monitoring and control capabilities.
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 system provides a versatile, safe, and tamper-resistant method for securing objects to various surfaces, ensuring reliable attachment and easy release, while meeting safety standards and deterring theft.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum cup actuated in response to receiving the vacuum cup actuation signal to secure the payload to the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of an active object mounting system secure an object of interest to a surface of a secured-to object using one or more vacuum mounting modules, wherein each vacuum mounting module comprises at least one vacuum pump controllably coupled to a microcontroller, a vacuum cup fluidly coupled to the at least one vacuum pump, and a transceiver that receives an instruction corresponding to one of a vacuum cup actuation signal or a vacuum cup release signal.