Flexible Connecting Element with Stabilizing Flange
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible connecting elements, such as scale compensators, require increased manufacturing effort and have detachable connection issues, leading to inefficiencies in handling and maintenance, particularly when attaching to devices that handle bulk materials like powders or granules.
Innovation Solution
A flexible connecting element with a base body featuring flanges made of flexible material, incorporating a stabilization element for clamping, which simplifies manufacturing and handling by eliminating the need for separate metal or plastic connectors and allowing for easy replacement, using a tri-clamp connection technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connection elements (metal or plastic) are cast or glued to the flexible base body, then the connecting element can be attached to devices, but the manufacturing effort increases and the connection may detach partially
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element is integrated directly into the flexible base body as a single-piece construction, eliminating the need for separate cast or glued connectors. This merging of components reduces manufacturing steps while ensuring reliable connection through the unified structure that prevents detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining flexible material for the base body with rigid stabilization elements embedded within. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for connection and the structural stability required for reliable attachment, avoiding the need for separate metal or plastic connection elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate connection elements are used, then connection to devices is possible, but the connection element must be replaced every time the balance compensator is changed
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the connection elements directly into the flexible base body as an integral part, the patent eliminates separate replaceable connectors. This reduces the number of components while maintaining full replaceability of the entire balance compensator unit, simplifying the replacement process.
3Reliability
If connection elements are attached with adhesive, then connection is achieved, but bulk material may collect in the intermediate space
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated construction eliminates intermediate spaces between separate connection elements and the flexible base body. The seamless, unified structure prevents bulk material from collecting in gaps or voids that would exist with adhesively bonded separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the adhesive layer and intermediate bonding interface from the construction. By extracting this potential material accumulation zone and replacing it with a direct integrated connection, the design eliminates the harmful effect of material collection while maintaining connection strength.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process and facilitates easy replacement of the connecting element, ensuring secure attachment without material accumulation and preventing force transmission, thus enhancing the handling and measurement accuracy of bulk materials.
Implementation Method 1
at least the first and/or second end section of the base body is made of a flexible material and defines a respective flange that extends outwards in the radial direction, in which a respective receiving space surrounding the corresponding opening is defined, in which a dimensionally stable stabilization element is inserted in this way that when the corresponding end section is fastened as intended, a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts on the stabilizing element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a flexible connecting element, in particular a weighing compensator (1), for connecting a first device to a second device and for conveying a bulk material from the first device to the second device, wherein the connecting element (1) comprises: a base body (2) defining a conveying channel with a first end section (3) on which an inlet opening (30) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is attached to the first device in such a way that the bulk material can enter the conveying channel through the inlet opening (30), and a second end section (4) on which an outlet opening (40) is formed and which, when the flexible connecting element (1) is used as intended, is attached to the second device in such a way that the bulk material can exit the conveying channel into the second device through the outlet opening (40).wherein at least the first and/or second end section (3, 4) of the base body (2) is formed from a flexible material and defines a flange (33, 43) extending radially outwards in which a receiving space (31, 41) surrounding the corresponding opening is defined, in which a dimensionally stable stabilizing element (32, 42) is inserted such that, when the corresponding end section is fastened as intended, a clamping force generated by a fastening means acts on the stabilizing element.