Loading Device for Flexible Wall Bushing Flange Bending

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting tubular elements in flexible walls accessible from one side only are unreliable and inconvenient, particularly for less trained operators, due to manual orientation and contamination risks, and lack simplicity in manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A loading device comprising an inserter rod and a pincher with hinge-connected halves that automatically bend flanges of the tubular element towards its axis, allowing for one-hand operation and reduced contamination risks, using a pincher to fold flanges axially and guide the tubular element into a loading tube or aperture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual bending of retainers is performed by operator, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but reliability and consistency of retainer orientation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual operation flexibilityVSAvoidretainer orientation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device performs the bending operation automatically through its mechanical structure (pincher mechanism) without requiring manual manipulation of the retainers. The device serves itself by incorporating the bending function into the loading process, eliminating variability introduced by human operators while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retainers are bent into the desired axial orientation before the tubular device is inserted into the loading tube. This preliminary bending action ensures correct orientation is established in advance, preventing errors during insertion and mounting operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If manual manipulation is used for loading tubular device, then device complexity is reduced, but contamination risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading operation simplicityVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The loading device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the tubular device. By using the device's mechanical components (inserter rod, pincher mechanism) rather than direct manual manipulation, the risk of contamination is reduced while maintaining operational simplicity. The intermediary structure protects the tubular device from direct contact with potentially contaminating surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If automated pincher mechanism is used for bending flanges, then manufacturing precision of flange orientation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflange orientation precisionVSAvoidloading device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bending function is merged with the loading operation. The pincher mechanism that applies force to bend the flanges is integrated into the same device structure that performs the loading function. This combination achieves precise flange orientation without requiring a separate bending device, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The loading device performs multiple functions: holding the tubular device, bending the flanges, and facilitating insertion into the loading tube. The pincher mechanism serves both as a gripping element and as a bending tool, making the device multi-functional and reducing the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the reliability and ease of use for mounting tubular elements by automating the bending of flanges, reducing manual errors and contamination, and facilitating secure, stable attachment to flexible walls with improved orientation and alignment.

Implementation Method 1

said flanges being resiliently foldable towards the longitudinal axis of said bushing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResilient deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10898318B2Method and device for securely loading and mounting a tubular device in a flexible wall

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 COLOPLAST AS

AI summary

A loading device for inserting a bushing into a through-aperture in a flexible wall or a cap, said bushing having flanges projecting transversely at each end thereof, said flanges being resiliently foldable towards the longitudinal axis of said bushing, said loading device comprising: an inserter rod, a pincher and a loading. When the inserter is pushed distally in an insertion direction, the bushing is forced towards the loading tube which will receive the bushing therein with said flanges folded and projecting substantially axially.