Bellows Profile Strip Locking for Clean Gas Flow Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible gas flow channel designs with tubular bellows face challenges in easy cleaning due to creases and dirt accumulation, and have insecure connections to the holding frame, especially when made with different materials.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped profile strip with stepped inward extensions and locking strips is used to securely attach the bellows to the holding frame, preventing unintentional detachment and facilitating easy assembly, while avoiding creases for improved cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bellows end portions are angled with integral anchoring lips to connect to flange profiles, then the connection structure is formed, but creases arise in the corner regions which make cleaning difficult and allow dirt residues to remain
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the connection function from the bellows body by using a separate profile strip instead of integral anchoring lips. The profile strip is attached to the bellows end and connects to the holding frame, dividing the structure into functional segments that avoid crease formation while maintaining secure connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring function is extracted from the bellows body and implemented through a separate profile strip component. This removes the source of creases (angled end portions with integral lips) while preserving the connection capability through the profile strip's engagement with the holding frame.
2Ease of manufacture
If the anchoring lip is provided with a hooked lip on one side to enable connection, then the connection is formed, but the connection can be released as a result of unfavorable movements
Solution Approach 1:
The profile strip features asymmetric design with a U-shaped cross-section where one leg has a locking lip that engages with a corresponding feature on the holding frame. This asymmetric configuration provides secure one-way locking that prevents release from unfavorable movements while maintaining simple assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The profile strip's locking mechanism is designed to anticipate and counteract unfavorable movements before they can cause disconnection. The locking lip engages proactively with the holding frame structure, creating a pre-positioned restraint that prevents release even when subjected to unexpected forces.
3Strength
If the anchoring lips are made of a more rigid material than the bellows itself, then the connection strength is improved, but the manufacture becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs composite construction where the profile strip is made of a more rigid material than the bellows to provide strong connection, while the bellows itself remains flexible. This material differentiation is achieved through separate manufacturing of the profile strip and bellows components, followed by assembly, thereby maintaining manufacturing feasibility while achieving the desired strength differential.
4Reliability
If a U-shaped profile strip is used to connect the bellows to the holding frame, then secure connection and easy assembly are achieved, but additional components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The U-shaped profile strip serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural connection between the bellows and holding frame, creates secure engagement through its locking mechanism, and forms a smooth transition surface that prevents crease formation. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the overall device complexity is minimized despite the addition of the profile strip.
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 ensures a secure, cost-effective, and easy-to-clean connection of the bellows to the holding frame, allowing for optimal material selection and enhanced sealing, reducing turbulence and dirt retention.
Implementation Method 1
the profile strip is designed as the associated end region of the bellows, attached to it and U-shaped in cross section, which is suspended from the freely ending edge strip, with its leg facing away from the inside of the duct fitting into the slot
Implementation Method 2
the bellows made of flexible or elastic material is double-walled
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The flexible section has a tubular bellows (8) made from flexible material. A profile strip is formed as an end area of the bellows. A u-shaped strip (19) is formed in the cross section of the bellows. The stripe is fitted at a free end shoulder. A bracket is inserted in a slot from an interior of a channel. The bracket has an inward stepping extension.