Deflectable Hard Cap for Tubular Grip Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible grip assemblies for sporting goods and tools with open-ended tubular handles face challenges in providing a low-cost, easily installable, and robust closure cap that can withstand shock and flexure without adhesives.
Innovation Solution
A hard end cap with deflectable portions for frictional engagement and detentable surfaces is inserted into the open end of the tubular handle, providing secure retention by engaging both the interior and exterior surfaces of the handle and the flexible grip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a hard cap is inserted frictionally over the end of the tubular handle and grip, then the cost and complexity are reduced compared to closed-end molded grips, but the cap may not withstand shock and flexure during usage
Solution Approach 1:
The cap incorporates deflectable portions that dynamically adjust during insertion and under load. These portions deflect during insertion to allow engagement and then deflect under shock loading to maintain frictional engagement, providing both ease of manufacture and reliability under severe conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is segmented into multiple functional portions: deflectable portions for frictional engagement with the handle, detentable surfaces for engagement with the grip, and a body portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and low cost
2Reliability
If adhesive or secondary retaining methods are used to secure the cap, then the retention under shock loading is improved, but the ease of installation and cost-effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cap design provides self-retention through its own structural features - deflectable portions that create frictional engagement and detentable surfaces that provide mechanical interlocking. The cap secures itself to the handle and grip without requiring external adhesives or secondary retaining mechanisms, maintaining ease of installation while ensuring reliable retention under shock loading
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 the cap remains in place during severe shock loading, offering a cost-effective and easy-to-install solution for maintaining grip assembly integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The cap may have deflectable portions thereon which deflect to provide frictional engagement forces with the interior and exterior of the implement handle
Implementation Method 2
The cap also may have surfaces thereon for detentably engaging the flexible grip such as, for example, an annular rib engaging an annular groove
Data Source
AI summary
An implement grip assembly with an open ended tubular flexible grip assembled over a tubular implement handle. An end cap with deflectable portions is inserted in the open end of the handle and the deflectable portions frictionally engage the tubular handle for retention. The cap may also have surfaces detentably engaging corresponding surfaces on the flexible grip. A decorative medallion may be received on the cap and frictionally or magnetically retained thereon.