Braided Sleeve Flared End with Reinforcement Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braided sleeve termination methods, such as heat bonding or dipping, prevent fraying but restrict expansion and aesthetics, and expose ends to contact, leading to further unraveling.
Innovation Solution
A braided sleeve design with a flared section and reinforcement ring at the end, allowing for secure bonding without hindering expansion and protecting the end from contact, featuring a tubular body with a uniform diameter section and a flared section with a mounting flange structure and thermoset adhesive reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ends of a braided sleeve are heat bonded or dipped to prevent fraying, then the ends are protected from unraveling, but the braided sleeve cannot expand when compressed and the exterior coating detracts from aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The braided sleeve is segmented into two distinct zones: a uniform diameter section for expansion and a flared section with terminal structure for stabilization. This segmentation allows the functional requirements of expansion and end stability to be satisfied in different spatial regions without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the braided sleeve are given different structural qualities - the uniform diameter section maintains flexibility and expandability, while the flared terminal section provides structural stability and prevents unraveling. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by applying stability only where needed at the ends.
2Reliability
If the ends of a braided sleeve are heat bonded or dipped to prevent fraying, then the ends are protected from unraveling, but the coating covers and detracts from the exterior of visually pleasing materials
Solution Approach 1:
The aesthetic portion of the braided sleeve (uniform diameter section) is segmented from the terminal portion requiring stabilization. This allows the visually pleasing materials to remain uncovered and aesthetically pleasing while the flared terminal section handles the functional requirement of preventing unraveling.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization structure is applied locally only at the terminal ends where fraying occurs, leaving the main aesthetic portion of the braided sleeve uncovered and visually pleasing. The flared terminal section provides end stability without compromising the appearance of the uniform diameter section.
3Reliability
If secondary manufacturing procedures are used to terminate the ends of a braided sleeve after cutting, then the ends are protected from fraying, but the braided sleeve becomes more difficult to install and the process is more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The flared terminal structure is formed preliminarily during the braiding process itself, rather than requiring secondary post-cutting operations. This preliminary formation of the stabilization structure eliminates the need for additional heat bonding or dipping steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining end stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The braided sleeve structure itself provides its own termination solution through the flared terminal section with circumferential edge. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external secondary manufacturing procedures, as the flared structure inherently prevents unraveling through its geometric configuration.
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
Prevents unraveling of braided sleeve ends while maintaining flexibility and aesthetics, allowing secure attachment to surfaces without obstructing expansion, effectively addressing the issues of fraying and exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A reinforcement ring is bonded to the braided sleeve proximate its second end
Data Source
AI summary
A braided sleeve device having a tubular body that is symmetrically disposed around an imaginary longitudinal axis. The tubular body has a first end, a second end and a flange transition point that is located proximate the second end. The tubular body is comprised of interwoven strands that extend from the first end to the second end. The tubular body has a first diameter from the first end to the flange transition point. The tubular body also has a diameter that increases in size from the flange transition point to the second end, therein forming a flare. The flare causes the interwoven stands of the braided sleeve to be reoriented into a perpendicular with the longitudinal axis. A reinforcement ring is bonded to the braided sleeve proximate its second end. The reinforcement ring retains the flare in the configuration of the braided sleeve.