Bellows Device with Flexible Compensating Section
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bellows devices with rigid support elements cause material wear, stress on seam connections, and increased production costs due to complex manufacturing processes, limiting their mobility and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of flexible compensating sections, preferably made of elastic materials like rubber or polyurethane, surrounding the support elements, which absorb radial movement and reduce contact with the bellows material, allowing for easier assembly and retrofitting, and preventing buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid support elements are used to maintain bellows shape, then structural stability is improved, but material wear and stress on seam connections increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is covered with a flexible membrane that conforms to the bellows fold geometry. This flexible covering maintains the bellows shape stability while reducing direct contact and friction between the rigid support element and the bellows material, thereby minimizing material wear and seam stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The support element combines rigid structural material with a flexible membrane covering. This composite structure provides both the structural stability needed to maintain bellows shape and the flexibility needed to reduce harmful contact with the bellows material during expansion and contraction cycles.
2Strength
If rigid support elements are attached to bellows material, then structural support is improved, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support element is designed as a separate modular component with a flexible membrane covering that can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the rigid core. This segmentation allows for simplified production of each component and easier assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural support functionality.
3Shape
If rigid support elements are used, then bellows shape retention is improved, but mobility and pull-out capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane covering allows the support element to adapt to the dynamic geometry of the bellows folds during expansion and contraction. This flexibility enables the bellows to maintain its shape while preserving the mobility and pull-out capability needed for ease of operation.
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
This solution minimizes wear and stress on the bellows material, enhances mobility, and simplifies the manufacturing process, ensuring the bellows maintains its shape and functionality while reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
The compensating section, which preferably consists of an elastic material, preferably rubber or an elastic plastic, such as polyurethane, and can be produced, for example, by injection molding
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
The device has a bellows material (1) arranged around a central bellows longitudinal axis (A). The material has inner folds (1a) and outer folds (1b). A support element (2) is arranged perpendicular to the axis and is provided for supporting the inner and outer folds. The support element has a compensation section (2b) at a region that is opposite to the material. The section partially surrounds the support element. The support element that is formed with the section is detachably inserted into the outer folds. The support element exhibits a region (2a) that consists of metal sheet or plastic.