Elastomer-Recessed End Cap for High-Retention Rod Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Friction-fitted end caps on tubular structures tend to be easily pulled off when the structures are used to provide support and are moved across surfaces, making frequent attachment and removal difficult, especially when multiple end caps are involved.
Innovation Solution
The end cap design features a sleeve portion with recessed areas containing elastomer material that compresses between the sleeve and the rod member, providing a secure frictional retention without relying on a continuous O-ring, allowing for easier attachment and removal and increased retention force when the structure is dragged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the end cap is designed to be tightly fitted by undersizing the interior diameter, then the retention force is improved, but the ease of attachment and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the elastomer material from rigid to compliant, allowing it to deform under compression. This enables the end cap to provide strong retention force when installed while still allowing easy attachment and removal, as the elastomer temporarily deforms during installation then returns to its original shape to maintain retention
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different materials with complementary properties: a rigid sleeve portion for structural support and an elastomer material for flexible retention. This composite approach allows the end cap to simultaneously achieve easy installation (through elastomer deformation) and strong retention (through the combination of rigid structure and elastic recovery)
2Ease of operation
If the end cap is designed to be easily attached and removed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the retention force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer material's ability to change its physical state through deformation is key. During installation, the elastomer temporarily deforms to allow easy insertion. Once installed, it returns to its original shape, creating compression force that provides strong retention. This dynamic parameter change resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and retention force
3Force
If a continuous O-ring is used for retention, then the retention force is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the retention system into discrete elastomer elements positioned at specific locations within the sleeve rather than using a continuous O-ring. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective retention through distributed compression points along the rod member
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies elastomer material at specific localized positions within the sleeve portion rather than continuously around the entire circumference. This local quality approach provides sufficient retention force at critical points while reducing overall material usage and manufacturing complexity compared to a continuous O-ring design
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 facilitates easier handling and secure retention of the end caps on tubular structures, reducing the force required for attachment and removal while maintaining strong retention, even when the structures are moved across surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer material is compressed between the recessed portion and a side surface of the rod member to frictionally retain the rod member within the sleeve portion
Implementation Method 2
an elastomer material received in the first recessed portion and extending above the first interior surface; whereby upon the sleeve portion fully receiving a first length of the distal portion of the rod member, the distal portion of the rod member abuts the abutment surface and the elastomer material is compressed
Data Source
AI summary
A protective end cap has a sleeve portion and a distal portion connected to an end of the sleeve portion. The sleeve portion includes one or more recessed portions in which an elastomer material is received and extends above an interior surface of the sleeve portion. The distal portion defines an exterior surface and an interior abutment surface that is substantially perpendicularly disposed relative to the interior surface of the sleeve portion. When the sleeve portion receives a first length of a rod member, the rod member abuts the abutment surface and the elastomer material is compressed between the recessed portion and a side surface of the rod member to frictionally retain the rod member within the sleeve portion.