Cold Shrink Tube Covering with Cushion Layer for Foil Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In covering tools with cold shrink tubes and impervious metal foil layers, uneven pressure is applied to the diameter-expanding holding member, requiring high strength and potentially damaging the impervious layer.

Innovation Solution

A covering tool and method featuring a cold shrink tube with an impervious layer outside and a cushion layer bonded to the impervious layer, reducing the strength requirement of the holding member and minimizing damage to the impervious layer by distributing pressure and alleviating bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the impervious layer is pressed against the diameter-expanding holding member by the cold shrink tube to support uneven pressure, then the holding member can withstand the pressure, but the strength requirement of the holding member increases and the impervious layer may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrength of diameter-expanding holding memberVSAvoiddamage to impervious layer

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cushion layer is introduced as an intermediary element between the cold shrink tube and the impervious layer. This cushion layer absorbs and distributes the uneven pressure, preventing direct contact between the cold shrink tube and the impervious layer, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the impervious layer while maintaining the structural integrity of the holding member

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cushion layer is positioned in advance between the cold shrink tube and the impervious layer to provide protective cushioning. This pre-positioned cushioning layer prevents direct transmission of uneven pressure to the impervious layer, thereby preventing damage before it occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 effectively suppresses damage to the impervious layer while reducing the strength requirement of the diameter-expanding holding member, preventing wrinkles and holes in the impervious layer during the covering process.

Implementation Method 1

an uneven pressure is applied to the diameter-expanding holding member in the circumferential direction. In order to support such uneven pressure, there is a problem in that a member having high strength must be employed as the diameter-expanding holding member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure distribution: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

cold shrink tube, an impervious layer made of a metal foil, and a diameter-expanding holding member that holds the cold shrink tube in a state in which a diameter of the cold shrink tube is expanded

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contraction: Thermal Contraction

Data Source

PatentUS20240006866A1Covering tool and covering method

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Provided is a covering tool and a covering method capable of suppressing damage to an impervious layer while reducing the strength of a diameter-expanding holding member. A covering tool includes a cold shrink tube, a diameter-expanding holding member that holds the cold shrink tube in a state in which a diameter of the cold shrink tube is expanded, an impervious layer provided outside the cold shrink tube, and a cushion layer provided outside the cold shrink tube and bonded to the impervious layer.