Elastomeric Retaining Feature for One-Sided Hole Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing elastomeric components, such as valves or diaphragms, on rigid walls often require pulling forces that can be awkward, time-consuming, and prone to repetitive strain injuries, especially when the components are small or the holes are inaccessible, and they typically leave a visible and unattractive leading tag.
Innovation Solution
An elastomeric component design featuring a retaining feature with an insertion end portion, a retention end portion, and a blind pocket that allows for insertion and retention through a retaining hole using a pushing action, eliminating the need for access to both sides of the wall and removing the residual leading tag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pulling force is applied to the leading tag to insert the retaining feature through the hole, then the insertion is achieved, but the process becomes awkward and time-consuming requiring access to both sides of the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional insertion approach by designing the retaining feature to be pushed through the hole rather than pulled. The blind pocket positioned away from the leading tag enables this reverse approach, allowing a pushing tool to engage the blind pocket and drive the retaining feature through the hole from one side only, eliminating the need for two-sided access.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind pocket serves as an intermediary engagement point for the pushing tool. Instead of the tool directly gripping the leading tag, the blind pocket acts as a mediator that transfers the pushing force from the tool through the retaining feature, enabling controlled insertion from one side without requiring access to the leading tag on the other side.
2Productivity
If a pushing force is applied to the leading tag to insert the retaining feature through the hole, then the insertion may be achieved, but the retaining geometry expands and resists insertion making it increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blind pocket acts as an intermediary that distributes the pushing force evenly across the retaining feature. This prevents localized compression and thickening at the hole entrance that occurs when force is applied directly to the leading tag, thereby reducing insertion resistance and enabling smoother, faster insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind pocket is positioned and sized to engage the retaining feature before insertion begins, pre-aligning the component and preparing the force transmission path. This preliminary engagement ensures that the pushing force is immediately and efficiently transmitted through the retaining feature without initial resistance from misalignment or improper force distribution.
3Ease of manufacture
If the leading tag is left visible on the opposite side of the wall, then the insertion process is simplified, but the appearance becomes unattractive and the tag is prone to tampering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the functional insertion interface (blind pocket) from the visible leading tag area. The blind pocket is positioned interiorly within the retaining feature, away from the leading tag, allowing the leading tag to be trimmed or concealed after insertion while the blind pocket continues to serve its insertion function. This separation allows simplified assembly without compromising appearance or security.
Data Source
AI summary
An elastomeric component includes a body feature and a retaining feature coupled to the body feature. The retaining feature includes an insertion end portion, and a retention end portion spaced apart from the insertion end portion along a longitudinal axis. The insertion end portion defines a catch spaced apart from the retention end portion and having a contact location adapted to make first contact with an edge of a retaining hole. The contact location is spaced apart from the catch a first distance. The retaining feature has a blind pocket extending from the retention end portion interiorly of the retaining feature along the longitudinal axis. The blind pocket terminates at an end location spaced from the catch. The elastomeric component may be coupled to a wall defining the retaining hole. Methods of assembly, and an apparatus for installation, are also provided.