Elastomer Sleeve Folding Mechanism with Coordinated Mandrel and Rollers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for folding and storing elongated thin sleeves, such as those used for maintaining sterility in medical devices, face challenges in consistently folding or compressing the sleeves onto retainers without bunching or tearing, which can compromise sterility during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve folding system comprising a mandrel, rollers, and a transmission assembly that coordinates the linear motion of the mandrel with the rotation of rollers to evenly distribute and fold the sleeve onto a sleeve ring, using polyurethane rollers to enhance friction and prevent bunching, and a flexible sleeve ring with a relief slot for easy manipulation and attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual folding methods are used to fold the sleeve onto the retainer, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and consistency of folding deteriorates, causing bunching or tearing
Solution Approach 1:
A mandrel is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the folding process. The mandrel provides a structured surface with defined folding lines that guides the sleeve through controlled folds onto the retainer, ensuring consistent results without requiring complex automated machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve itself is designed with self-folding characteristics through its material properties and pre-marked folding lines. When placed on the mandrel, the sleeve naturally follows the folding lines and folds onto itself with minimal external intervention, achieving consistent folding through its own structural design.
2Ease of operation
If the sleeve is folded without proper friction control, then the ease of operation improves, but the reliability of maintaining sterility deteriorates due to bunching or tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The friction characteristics of the rollers are specifically controlled to optimize the folding process. By adjusting the friction parameter of the roller surfaces, the system achieves sufficient grip to prevent bunching and tearing while still allowing smooth operation. This controlled friction ensures the sleeve folds evenly without compromising sterility.
3Device complexity
If the mandrel translation and roller rotation are not coordinated, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of folding distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel translation and roller rotation functions are merged into a single coordinated mechanism. The rollers are positioned and driven such that their rotational motion naturally synchronizes with the mandrel's linear translation, creating a unified folding action that distributes folds evenly without requiring separate complex coordination systems.
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 system ensures consistent, even folding of the sleeve onto the sleeve ring, preventing bunching and tearing, thereby maintaining sterility and facilitating easy assembly and use in medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
using polyurethane rollers to enhance friction and prevent bunching
Data Source
AI summary
A folding device for placing an elastomer thin sleeve on a retainer includes a mandrel, one or more rollers, and a drive system. The mandrel is configured to translate relative to a portion of the folding device. The mandrel is adapted to releasably receive the retainer. The one or more rollers are configured to rotate relative to the mandrel. The rotation of the one or more rollers being configured to fold the sleeve onto the retainer. The drive system is configured to translate the mandrel and turn the one or more rollers.