OPENTECHNICAL PUBLICATION
OT-2026-000003126

One-piece, dual-material suction cup

Published: 2026-09-15T19:34:05.931247Z
Permanent URL: https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000003126
Categories: Lifting, Positioning & Manipulation > Vacuum Lifting

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ABSTRACT

A one-piece, dual-material suction cup includes an inner face having a concave
shape when the cup is inactive (that is, unattached to a surface) and an outer
portion having a convex shape when the cup is inactive. The inner and outer
portions are formed from different elastic materials. The characteristics of
the outer material are selected to exhibit relatively high memory, elasticity
and recovery to provide a biasing force on the inner face of the cup to
increase the vacuum and enhance attachment. The characteristics of the inner
material are selected to exhibit conformity, compliance and softness as
compared to the outer material. Such characteristics enhance mating and
sealing with a surface to which the cup is to be attached. The inner and outer
portions are permanently bonded together to form the one-piece suction cup.

1. Drawings

[0001] Sheet 1.

[0002] Sheet 2.

[0003] Sheet 3.

[0004] Sheet 4.

[0005] Sheet 5.

[0006] Sheet 6.

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OpenTechnical publication OT-2026-000003126
Published 2026-09-15T19:34:05.931247Z
https://opentechnical.org/p/OT-2026-000003126