Flexible Ring Mounting Pin Layout for Gentle Groove Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly devices for flexible rings, such as O-rings, often cause material damage and are complex due to their large size or multiple point loads during installation.

Innovation Solution

A device with a receiving pin divided into two longitudinally parallel partial pins and an actuating pin that allows for relative movement, deforming the ring to minimize contact and enable gentle insertion into internal grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a large and massive holding shaft is used to receive the ring, then the ring can be securely held, but the application of the ring becomes complex and the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of ringVSAvoidcomplexity of ring application
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding shaft is divided into multiple functional sections: a receiving pin for initial ring placement, partial pins for localized support, and an actuating pin for deformation control. This segmentation allows the ring to be held securely while simplifying the insertion process through staged support rather than requiring a single large massive structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partial pins are designed to be movable relative to the receiving pin, allowing dynamic adjustment of support points during the ring insertion process. This enables the device to adapt to the ring's deformation needs while maintaining secure holding, reducing overall device complexity compared to a static massive structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If several closely spaced contact points are provided for clamping and holding the ring, then the ring can be securely held, but point loads are created that could damage the ring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure holding of ringVSAvoidpoint loads on ring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the holding shaft provide different types of support: the receiving pin provides initial localized contact for ring placement, while the partial pins provide distributed support during deformation. This local differentiation of support quality allows secure holding while minimizing concentrated point loads that could damage the ring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The partial pins act as intermediaries between the receiving pin and the ring, distributing the holding force across multiple contact points rather than creating concentrated point loads. This intermediary structure secures the ring while reducing harmful localized stresses

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the ring is deformed to minimize outer contour for insertion, then insertion into narrow grooves is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion precision into grooveVSAvoidstructure of mounting device
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating pin is designed to be movable relative to the receiving pin, enabling dynamic deformation of the ring during insertion. This single movable component achieves the complex deformation needed for groove insertion without requiring a complex multi-component device structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving pin is positioned to initially receive and pre-position the ring before insertion. This preliminary action prepares the ring in an optimal state for subsequent deformation and groove insertion, reducing the complexity of the overall insertion process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 allows for safe, quick, and precise placement of flexible rings into internal grooves with minimal material damage and simplified handling.

Implementation Method 1

an actuating pin (5) for deforming the ring (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDeformation: Deformation

Implementation Method 2

the ring (12) is released and returns into its original shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentEP4686526A1Mounting device
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 STIWA AUTOMATION GMBH
  • EP4686526A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686526A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4686526A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an assembly device (1, 22) for positioning flexible rings (12), in particular sealing or wiper rings, in internal grooves (14) of components (15), and to a method using this assembly device. The device is equipped with a movable receiving pin (2, 23) and with a pressing pin (5, 24) for deforming the ring such that the ring can be inserted into the component (15). The receiving pin (2, 23) and the pressing pin (5, 24) are aligned parallel to each other and movable relative to each other in a direction transverse to their longitudinal extent. The receiving pin (2, 23) consists of at least two partial pins (2a, 2b; 23a, 23b) arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and movable relative to each other.