Boot Tree Latching Hook Integration and Spring Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing boot tree designs face challenges in easily manufacturing and mounting shaft shapers on spring mechanisms, requiring complex components like inclined ejectors and slides, which complicates the production of latching hooks.
Innovation Solution
A boot tree design featuring elongated openings parallel to the shaft former's longitudinal direction, T-shaped openings, and ribbed latching hooks ensures stable and easy formation of latching hooks, allowing for a simple tool design without moving parts, and a spring mechanism formed from semicircular arc springs and middle parts that distribute forces evenly, preventing tilting and assembly errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If complex fastening devices with moving parts like inclined ejectors and slides are used to manufacture latching hooks, then the latching hooks can be formed, but the tool design becomes complex and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the latching hook formation process from complex moving part mechanisms and integrates it directly into the injection mold structure. The latching hooks are formed as integral features of the socket shaper web, eliminating the need for separate fastening devices with inclined ejectors and slides. This simplifies the tool design while maintaining the ability to form latching hooks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the latching hook formation function with the main injection molding process. The fastening devices are integrated into the socket shaper structure itself, combining the shaper body, web, and latching hook formation into a single molded component. This eliminates the need for separate moving part mechanisms and simplifies both tooling and manufacturing.
2Device complexity
If the web is made short to simplify structure, then the structure is simpler, but the elastic connection of latching hooks to the web is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the web thickness strategically. The web has a middle section with increased thickness (offset in relation to the outside of the socket shaper) that provides enhanced elastic properties and structural strength at the critical latching hook connection point, while the rest of the web maintains a simpler, thinner structure. This localized reinforcement ensures reliable elastic connection without requiring the entire web to be thick and complex.
3Manufacturing precision
If openings are made small to fit latching hooks, then the latching hooks can be received, but the stability of latching hook formation in the tool is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric T-shaped openings where the base of the T extends transversely to the longitudinal direction of the socket shaper. This asymmetric geometry provides stable formation of the latching hooks during injection molding, with the T-shape preventing rotation and ensuring proper orientation. The opening design balances the need for precise hook formation with adequate structural support from the surrounding web material.
4Device complexity
If the spring mechanism uses simple circular springs, then the structure is simpler, but tilting movements of shaft formers cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from simple circular springs to oval-shaped arc springs, using geometric asymmetry to prevent tilting. The oval shape of the arc springs, with their major axis aligned with the longitudinal direction of the socket shaper, provides differential spring forces that counteract tilting movements. This geometric change maintains relative structural simplicity while effectively preventing shaft former tilting during 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 design simplifies the manufacturing and mounting of shaft shapers, ensuring stable and elastic connections, avoiding assembly errors and enabling cost-effective production of complex shapes in large series.
Implementation Method 1
The spring mechanism 3 is formed from two semi-circular arc springs 4 made of plastic... By gripping the first handle 7 with the fingers of one hand and simultaneously counter-pressure with the ball of the thumb of the same hand on the second handle 9, the ring is stretched in the direction of the pressure rod 8, whereby the two middle parts 5 and the socket shapers 2 attached thereto move towards one another. When you let go of the handles 7, 9, the ring is spread again transversely to the longitudinal direction of the pressure rod 8, as is the shaft shaper 2.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The boot stretcher (1) has two boot shaft shapers (2) that are made of plastic and a spring mechanism (3) arranged between the boot shaft shapers. The fastening devices (10) are provided on the boot shaft shapers for connecting the boot shaft shaper with the spring mechanism. The fastening devices have locking hooks, which are integrally formed with the boot shaft shapers. The fastening devices are arranged on a bar extending between two openings provided in the boot shaft shaper, and the locking hooks are formed on a base section formed on the bar. USE : Boot stretcher. ADVANTAGE : The fastening devices are arranged on a bar extending between two openings provided in the boot shaft shaper, and the locking hooks are formed on a base section formed on the bar, and hence ensures simple manufacturing and easy mounting of the boot shaft shaper on the spring mechanism, stable formation of locking hooks, and cost effective manufacturing of the boot stretcher, where a tilting movement of the boot shaft shapers against each other is prevented. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a schematic view of a boot stretcher with a spring mechanism. 1 : Boot stretcher 2 : Boot shaft shapers 3 : Spring mechanism 6 : Hollow shaft 10 : Fastening devices.