Hole Plug Flange Recesses for Lower Insertion Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing hole plug designs face challenges in reducing the force required for insertion due to deformation restrictions at the grooves, which can limit the effectiveness of the insertion process.
Innovation Solution
A hole plug design featuring a tube-shaped outer peripheral wall, a blocking portion, a ring-shaped flange, a hook portion, and recess portions at the flange's base end, allowing for deformation and stress relief, thereby reducing the insertion force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If V-shaped grooves are formed in the flange to enable deformation during insertion, then the force required for insertion is reduced, but the deformation is restricted when the groove walls abut each other, limiting the effectiveness of force reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The flange is segmented by forming multiple recess portions (grooves) at its front face. These recess portions divide the flange structure into multiple sections, allowing each section to deform independently during insertion. This segmentation enables the flange to undergo radial deformation more effectively, reducing the insertion force required while preventing the groove walls from abutting each other during the deformation process.
2Strength
If the flange is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then the hole plug can withstand load, but the force required to insert the hole plug into the attachment hole increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flange exhibits local quality by having different structural characteristics in different regions. The recess portions are strategically positioned and dimensioned to allow localized deformation at specific areas during insertion, while the overall flange structure maintains sufficient rigidity and strength. This local deformation capability reduces insertion force without compromising the overall structural integrity of the hole plug.
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 design effectively reduces the force needed to insert the hole plug into an attachment hole by allowing the flange to deform and distribute stress, preventing groove abutment and enhancing the range of permissible plate thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
the flange undergoes deformation originating at the grooves as the hole plug is pressed into the attachment hole
Data Source
AI summary
A hole plug includes: a tube-shaped outer peripheral wall configured to be inserted into an attachment hole formed in an attachment-target member; a blocking portion-close off the inside of the outer peripheral wall; a ring-shaped flange that juts out toward a radial direction outer side of the outer peripheral wall from an end portion of the outer peripheral wall on an opposite side from an insertion direction so as to cover a location surrounding the attachment hole; a hook portion engage with an edge of the attachment hole; and a plurality of recess portions that are formed at a front face of a base end portion of the flange at intervals around a circumferential direction of the flange, each of the recess portions including a bottom portion with a planar face profile or a curved face profile.