Frustoconical Core for Elastic Sleeve Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing assemblies for fitting elastic protective tubular bodies on elongated elements, such as electric cables, are complex and costly to produce, requiring rigid and flexible parts that are difficult to assemble and use efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A core assembly comprising a first part and a second part made of rigid plastic, where the second part slides conventionally within the first part between service and deployed positions, with a frustoconical section that facilitates extraction by leveraging the contraction of the elastic tubular body, allowing for simpler and more economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible second part is turned over on the first part to facilitate extraction, then extraction is easier, but the assembly becomes more complex and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the second part from a turned-over flexible configuration to a frustoconical rigid structure. This parameter change maintains the extraction facilitation function through the frustoconical shape that guides and directs the pulling force, while eliminating the complexity of assembling and securing flexible parts.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible part turned over on the rigid part (prior art approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a rigid frustoconical second part that structurally facilitates extraction through its geometry. This inversion simplifies the assembly while achieving the same functional goal.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parts are joined and turned over to create an expandable core, then the sleeve expansion is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The core is segmented into a first part (rigid body) and a second part (frustoconical expansion element) that work together to achieve sleeve expansion. This segmentation allows each part to have a specific function while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing compared to complex multi-part assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The core assembly uses composite construction combining a rigid first part and a frustoconical second part, both made of rigid plastic but with different geometric properties. This composite approach achieves the required expandability function while using straightforward manufacturing processes for each component.
3Device complexity
If the first part slides directly on the elastic tubular body, then the structure is simpler, but extraction becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The frustoconical second part acts as an intermediary between the first part and the elastic tubular body during extraction. It mediates the extraction process by providing a geometric configuration that facilitates the pulling action, reducing direct friction and guiding the extraction movement without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 solution enables a cost-effective and user-friendly assembly process for applying a radially expandable sleeve over elongated articles, providing airtightness, watertightness, and electrical insulation while simplifying the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic protective sleeve (11) made of an elastic material with dimensions such that it is expanded relative to the natural state (the state it takes in the absence of external constraints) when it contains the elongated element in its internal space
Implementation Method 2
The section of the second part axially beyond the first part takes on a truncated cone shape due to the stress exerted by the elastic tubular body on the legs, which no longer surround the first part, and due to the fact that the legs tilt towards each other under the effect of this stress
Data Source
Figure 1~4
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Figure 9~13
AI summary
The assembly comprises an elastic tubular protective body (11) and a tubular core (12) for maintaining the expanding tubular body, comprising a first (20) and a second part (21) associated, the core being in a service position where the second part covers the first part, and being configured so that an elongated element can be inserted into its internal space in the service position and so that a traction then exerted on the first part causes it to slide relative to the second part until a deployed position where it can no longer move relative to the second part; the second part having tabs projecting axially from a collar (22) connected to each other exclusively by the collar; in the service position the collar and the tabs surround the first part; and in the deployed position the collar surrounds the first part and the tabs are axially beyond the first part.