Flexible Shell Retraction Device with Traction Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retraction devices for flexible shells lack efficient mechanisms to transition between active and inactive states, particularly in terms of deformation during filling and evacuation, and do not provide adequate control over traction forces and sensor feedback for safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A retraction device with extendable and retractable traction mechanisms, driven by mechanical energy storage and controlled by sensors and an electrical control device, which allows for precise monitoring and control of the deformation process, enabling safe and controlled filling and evacuation of flexible shells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shell is evacuated to enable retraction, then the shell can transition to inactive form, but the shell loses structural stability during the process
Solution Approach 1:
Traction elements are pre-tensioned before evacuation begins, and the shell is pre-positioned in the mold cavity. This preliminary preparation ensures that as the shell evacuates and changes form, the traction elements are already positioned to provide the necessary guidance and support, preventing structural instability during the transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces traction elements as intermediary components between the drive mechanism and the shell. These elements mediate the force transmission during evacuation, providing controlled tension that guides the shell through its form transition while maintaining structural stability throughout the process.
2Reliability
If traction elements are made more robust to handle evacuation forces, then retraction reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The traction elements are designed with dynamic properties, being flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to adapt to the changing geometry of the shell during evacuation. This dynamic design provides the necessary robustness for handling evacuation forces while avoiding the complexity of rigid, over-engineered structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical parameters of the traction elements, specifically their tension and flexibility characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable force transmission during evacuation without requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.
3Reliability
If sensors and control devices are added to monitor deformation, then operational safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Sensors are integrated into the retraction device to provide real-time feedback on shell deformation and position during evacuation. This feedback mechanism enables the control device to monitor the process and make necessary adjustments, improving operational safety through continuous monitoring without requiring complex control algorithms or multiple sensor 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
Enables precise monitoring and control of the deformation process, ensuring safe operation and efficient transition between active and inactive states, enhancing the functionality and reliability of the retraction device.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one drive can include a mechanical energy storage device. The mechanical energy storage device can be designed as a spring, in particular as a coil spring.
Implementation Method 2
The retraction device can include a sensor device for detecting a position and/or an orientation of the at least one traction element.
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
Retraction device for a flexible shell (102) deformable by filling it into an active mold and/or by evacuation into a deactivation mold, the retraction device comprising at least one extendable and/or retractable traction element (118, 128) and at least one drive (124) designed to retract the at least one traction element (118, 128) when the shell is evacuated, the retraction device comprising a sensor device with at least one sensor (106) designed to detect an extension and/or retraction of the at least one traction element (118, 128), functional device comprising an evacuable flexible shell (102) deformable by filling it into an active mold and/or by evacuation into a deactivation mold and such a retraction device, and a method for operating such a functional device.wherein, during filling and/or evacuation of the shell (102), the sensor device monitors the extension and/or retraction of at least one traction element (118, 128), the extension and/or retraction of several traction elements (118, 128), and/or the formation of an active form and/or the formation of a deactivation form of the shell (102).