Installation Element Ring Gap Segments for Low-Force Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing installation elements with pegs and recesses for locking in material exchange systems require significant force to connect thicker materials, as elasticity is compromised with thicker film materials, making it difficult to achieve a long-lasting locking connection.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating ring gap segments around recesses allows for easier and force-efficient locking by displacing material into these gaps when pegs are inserted, and additional locking shoulders ensure secure locking, while optional hollow or slotted pegs provide flexibility and stability through material recesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thicker film material is used for the plate element, then strength and stability are improved, but elasticity is compromised making locking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The plate element is segmented into multiple functional zones: rigid locking zones with pegs and recesses for stable connection, and flexible zones with ring gap segments that provide elasticity. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to have different mechanical properties, enabling both strength and ease of locking.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the plate element are given different local qualities: the locking areas (pegs and recesses) are made rigid for stable connection, while the areas surrounding the recesses include ring gap segments that provide local flexibility. This local differentiation allows the plate to maintain overall strength while providing localized elasticity for easy locking.
2Reliability
If thicker material is used for the plate element, then durability is improved, but the ability to achieve elastic locking is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The plate element is divided into rigid structural sections for durability and flexible sections with ring gap segments for elasticity. The rigid sections maintain structural integrity and durability, while the flexible sections with ring gap segments provide the necessary elasticity for easy locking even in thicker materials.
Solution Approach 2:
Ring gap segments are incorporated into the plate element structure, creating flexible zones that can elastically deform during locking. These ring gap segments act as flexible elements within the otherwise rigid thicker plate material, enabling elastic locking behavior without compromising overall durability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mushroom-head-shaped pegs are used for locking, then connection stability is improved, but the force required for insertion increases with thicker materials
Solution Approach 1:
Ring gap segments act as intermediary flexible elements between the rigid peg and the rigid recess. When a peg is inserted, the ring gap segment elastically deforms to accommodate the peg, reducing the insertion force required. After insertion, the ring gap segment returns to its original shape, providing continuous elastic pressure that enhances connection stability.
4Ease of operation
If elastic flexibility is ensured through thin film material, then ease of locking is improved, but material thickness is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The plate element is segmented into thin flexible regions (ring gap segments) and thicker rigid regions. The thin flexible regions provide the necessary elasticity for easy locking, while the thicker regions maintain overall structural strength. This segmentation allows the plate to exceed the traditional thin-film thickness limitation while retaining elastic locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Ring gap segments are designed as flexible zones within the plate element, allowing elastic deformation for easy locking. These flexible zones are strategically placed to provide the necessary elasticity without requiring the entire plate to be thin, thus enabling thicker overall material construction while maintaining ease of locking.
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 secure, low-force locking of thicker material installation elements, enhancing the stability and longevity of assembled packings by allowing easy connection and disconnection without requiring excessive force, even with larger material thicknesses.
Implementation Method 1
Plastics, such as polyethylene or polypropylene, are standardly used as materials for such installation elements, so that during the manufacture of an installation element such additional ring gap segments can easily be fashioned in the area of the recesses. Such plastic materials also have sufficient elasticity to enable, on the one hand, the surrounding material of the installation element to recede into the ring gap segment when the peg is pushed through the recess, and on the other hand to ensure that this material will return to its initial position after this pushing through.
Data Source
AI summary
An installation element of an installed packing for material and/or heat exchange between gases and liquids, having pegs and recesses for engaging with at least one further installation element. In order to make the engagement easier the recesses each are associated with ring gap segments.