Multi-Material Slat Cap Molding to Prevent Frame Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing devices for suspending slats of a springer, composed of two separate parts with different materials, face difficulties in assembly and are prone to disconnection due to mechanical stresses, making them challenging to fit and secure properly on a springer frame.
Innovation Solution
The intermediate and lower sections of the cap are formed in a single piece by molding, with the lower section containing a plate for anchoring, which is housed in a recess of the intermediate section, and reinforced with rigid material elements to enhance stability and prevent disconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cap is formed in two separate parts (upper/intermediate section and lower section) made of different materials, then the flexible suspension elements and rigid anchoring means can be optimized independently, but the assembly process becomes complex and the parts may disconnect under mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the previously separate upper/intermediate section and lower section into a single integrated cap structure. This unification eliminates the complexity of assembling multiple parts while preventing disconnection issues. The merged design maintains material optimization by using a multi-material construction where different sections can have different material properties suitable for their specific functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction where the cap is formed from multiple materials with different properties. The intermediate section uses flexible material for elastic suspension, while the lower section uses rigid material for stable anchoring. This composite approach allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as a unified structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If the cap is formed in two separate parts, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but the reliability of connection to the springer frame deteriorates due to potential disconnection under mechanical stresses
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the separate parts into a single integrated cap, the patent eliminates the connection interface that was prone to disconnection. The unified structure ensures that the flexible intermediate section and rigid lower section work together as a single unit, maintaining reliability under mechanical stresses while preserving manufacturing flexibility through the multi-material construction approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material construction allows the cap to be manufactured as a unified structure with different material properties in different sections. The rigid lower section provides stable anchoring that resists mechanical stresses, while the flexible intermediate section provides elastic suspension, all within a single reliably connected component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the intermediate section and lower section are made as separate components, then material selection flexibility is enhanced, but the assembly difficulty increases and disconnection risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the intermediate section and lower section into a single molded component, eliminating assembly difficulties and disconnection risks. The merging is achieved through co-molding or over-molding processes that create a unified structure while maintaining the distinct material properties of each section, thus preserving material selection flexibility while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite material approach enables the creation of a single integrated component with differentiated material zones. The flexible intermediate section and rigid lower section are formed together in one piece using appropriate molding techniques, allowing optimal material selection for each function while eliminating the assembly and disconnection problems of separate components.
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
This design simplifies the assembly process and prevents untimely disconnections by providing a robust and secure attachment to the springer frame, ensuring reliable suspension and adaptability to various configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the intermediate section essentially being made of a first material of the flexible type whereas the lower section is essentially made of a second material of the rigid type
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a springer slat suspension device formed by a cap having an upper section which comprises at least one housing for accepting the end of a slat, a lower section provided with means of anchoring the said cap on a springer frame and an intermediate section comprising suspension elements linking the lower section with the upper section, the intermediate section being essentially made of a first material of the flexible type, whereas the lower section is made of a second material of the rigid type. This invention is characterized in that the intermediate section and the lower section are made in one single piece by molding.