Adjustable Protective Insert for Steel Rolls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective inserts for hollow cored objects like rolls of sheet steel or aluminum are not adjustable to varying inner diameters, are cumbersome to mount, and often made of heavy materials with sharp edges that can damage the object or worker.
Innovation Solution
A protective insert comprising a sleeve and flange with adjustable engagement means, such as slots and pins, and resilient materials, allowing for diametric adjustment and secure fastening without sharp edges, and optionally featuring ridges and notches for additional locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If steel protective items are used, then strength and protection capability are improved, but weight increases and sharp edges may damage the roll and/or worker
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from steel to plastic, transforming the protective item from heavy and potentially dangerous to lightweight and safe, while maintaining protective functionality through appropriate material selection and design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable plastic protective items that can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for heavy durable steel items while maintaining protection capability throughout the operational lifecycle
2Strength
If steel protective items are used, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from steel to plastic, enabling easy deformation and flexible mounting operations, allowing workers to easily shape and secure the protective item without specialized tools or heavy handling equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible plastic material that can be easily deformed and shaped to fit different roll sizes and mounting configurations, enabling simple and quick installation without rigid fastening mechanisms
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed diameter protective items are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates as they cannot adjust to different inner diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deformable plastic structure that can dynamically change its diameter to match different roll inner diameters, transforming from a static fixed-size item to an adaptable flexible protective cover
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible plastic shells that can be deformed and shaped to fit various diameters, enabling a single universal protective item design to accommodate multiple roll sizes without compromising manufacturing simplicity
4Weight of moving object
If plastic protective items are used, then weight is reduced and safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult secure fastening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the viscoelastic properties of plastic material, allowing it to be easily deformed during mounting and then maintain its shape under operational loads, combining lightweight advantages with secure fastening capability
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 solution provides a secure, adjustable, and lightweight protective insert that fits various diameters, reducing the risk of damage to the object and worker, with enhanced resilience and ease of mounting, ensuring a tight fit without additional securing measures.
Implementation Method 1
said protective insert being made of a resilient material contributing to said diametric adjustability
Data Source
AI summary
A protective insert for protecting e.g. coils or rolls of sheet steel or aluminum is disclosed. The protective insert is open and diametrically adjustable. The ends of the protective insert may be adjustably engaged by means of engagement means. The engagement means permit diametrical adjustment and locking of the diameter of the protective insert to a suitable diameter. A method of protecting a portion of an object, in particular a roll of sheet material, having a hollow core, is also disclosed.