Deformable Masking Plug Assembly for Hole Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for protecting finished holes in structures during subsequent manufacturing processes are labor-intensive, ineffective for non-cylindrical holes, and fail to provide reliable protection against chemical treatments and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A masking plug assembly comprising a deformable plug made of resilient material, positioned within the hole and compressed between a lower and upper anvil, which expands horizontally to seal the hole's interior surface, along with a coupling system for secure installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing masking solutions are used to protect hole surfaces, then hole protection is provided, but installation and removal are labor intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The masking plug uses a resilient deformable body that can be compressed during installation and then expands to seal the hole. The coupling mechanism allows easy attachment and detachment of the anvil assembly, transforming a static masking solution into a dynamic one that adapts to installation forces and provides automatic sealing through elastic recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable resilient body automatically seals the hole through its elastic expansion after compression during installation. The coupling mechanism between the anvil and elongate member is designed to self-lock or self-retain, reducing the need for additional fastening operations and simplifying both installation and removal processes.
2Reliability
If existing masking solutions are used to protect hole surfaces, then some protection is provided, but assurance of protection is not ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable resilient body is designed to locally adapt to the specific hole geometry and expand uniformly to contact and seal against the hole's interior surface. This localized adaptive sealing ensures complete coverage and protection assurance without requiring a complex overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking plug appears to be designed as a disposable or single-use component where the deformable resilient body is compressed during installation and remains in that state during use. After removal, the masking plug can be discarded or replaced, simplifying the system design while ensuring reliable protection during the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing masking solutions are used to protect hole surfaces, then cylindrical holes are protected, but non-cylindrical holes are not protected
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable resilient body can be configured with varying cross-sectional shapes or can deform locally to match non-cylindrical hole geometries. This allows the same basic masking plug design to adapt to different hole shapes while maintaining effective sealing and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The masking system allows for changes in the physical parameters of the deformable resilient body, such as its cross-sectional shape, material properties, or compression ratio, to accommodate different hole geometries. This parametric adaptability enables the system to effectively protect both cylindrical and non-cylindrical holes.
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 masking plug assembly effectively seals and protects the interior surface of holes from chemical treatments and manufacturing processes, is easy to install and remove, and can be reused, providing reliable protection for both cylindrical and non-cylindrical holes.
Implementation Method 1
the deformable plug is composed of a resilient material such that at least a portion of the deformable plug expands horizontally when compressed vertically between the lower anvil and the upper anvil
Data Source
AI summary
A masking plug assembly includes a lower anvil and an elongate member coupled to a central portion of the lower anvil, where the elongate member includes at least one coupling part. The assembly also includes an upper anvil having a central opening for receiving the elongate member therethrough, where the upper anvil includes at least one complementary coupling part configured to be releasably coupled with the at least one coupling part of the elongate member. The assembly also includes a deformable plug with a central opening for receiving the elongate member therethrough, where the deformable plug is configured to be positioned within the hole of the structure between the lower anvil and the upper anvil, and where the deformable plug is composed of a resilient material such that at least a portion of the deformable plug expands horizontally when compressed vertically between the lower anvil and the upper anvil.