Plastic Half-Shell Protection Device Axial Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protection devices for cylindrical bodies, such as pipes and hoses, are difficult to assemble and reposition, often require metallic components that can damage the machine, and are heavy, making them inefficient for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A protection device comprising two half-shells with cut-outs and a locking element that forms a form- and/or force fit with the cylindrical body, eliminating the need for additional connection means like screws or clamps, allowing for easy assembly and repositioning, and using plastic materials to reduce weight and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate means like metal screws or clamps are used to join protection device parts, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element integrates multiple functions: it connects the two half-shells together while simultaneously locking the protection device in the axial direction. This merging of connection and locking functions into a single element eliminates the need for separate fastening components, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device is divided into two half-shells that can be separately assembled around the cylindrical body. The locking element is designed with specific geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that enable simple snap-fit assembly of these segmented parts without requiring complex fastening operations
2Reliability
If metallic separate means are used for connecting protection device parts, then the connection reliability is improved, but the weight increases and damage risk to the cylindrical body occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element and half-shells are made from the same or compatible plastic material, creating a homogeneous plastic-plastic interface instead of a metal-plastic interface. This eliminates galvanic corrosion risks and mechanical damage to the cylindrical body while maintaining reliable connection through optimized geometric interlocking features
Solution Approach 2:
The design accepts that the plastic locking element may have limited reuse capability compared to metal fasteners, but this is acceptable given the significant benefits of weight reduction, damage prevention, and sufficient reliability for the application. The locking element is designed as a simple, easily replaceable component
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional protection devices with separate connection means are used, then the structural stability is improved, but the assembly time and repositioning effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is pre-formed with integrated locking features (axial protrusions and circumferential recesses) that automatically engage with the half-shells during assembly. This preliminary design of the locking geometry eliminates the need for time-consuming fastening operations while ensuring stable structural composition upon assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The protection device is designed to be self-assembling through the inherent geometric features of the locking element and half-shells. The components self-align and self-lock through their designed interfaces without requiring external tools or complex assembly procedures, dramatically reducing assembly time while maintaining structural stability
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 quick and easy assembly and repositioning of the protection device without metallic components, reducing weight and material usage, providing better cushioning against impacts, and adapting to various cylindrical body surfaces, thus enhancing flexibility and durability.
Implementation Method 1
locking the protection device in an axial direction by forming a form- and/or a force fit with the cylindrical body
Implementation Method 2
locking the protection device in an axial direction by forming a form- and/or a force fit with the cylindrical body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Protection device for protecting a cylindrical body (11), in particular pipes, tubes, cables or hoses, comprising: at least two half-shells (12) configured to be arranged on an external surface of the cylindrical body (11), wherein the two half-shells (12) each comprise at least one cut-out (13); and at least one locking element (14) configured to be arranged in the at least one cut-out (13) of each half-shell (12) for connecting the two half-shells (12) and locking the protection device (10) in an assembled state in an axial direction by forming a form- and/or force-fit with the cylindrical body (11).