Self-Locking Nipple Resin Injection Method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing self-locking nipples face challenges in producing small-diameter inserts for small nipples, which are difficult to insert and limit the length and functionality of the nipples, especially when used with short spokes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the injection of resin into pre-formed blind holes in a metal semi-finished product to create cylindrical inserts within the nipple, allowing for small-diameter inserts to be directly placed within their seats and enabling longer or multiple inserts, ensuring a self-locking mechanism without surface involvement, and incorporating stop members for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fibrous inserts are inserted into axial holes in the nipple, then self-locking function is achieved, but the nipple diameter must be relatively large making it difficult to insert small inserts into small nipples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the resin from solid pre-formed inserts to fluid state during injection, allowing the resin to flow into and fill the axial hole completely. This parameter change (from solid to fluid) enables the insert to be formed in-situ within the nipple, overcoming the difficulty of manually inserting pre-formed inserts into small-diameter holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion process (manually or mechanically pushing pre-formed fibrous inserts into holes) with an injection process where fluid-state resin is injected under pressure to fill the hole and form the insert. This substitution eliminates the need for precise alignment and forceful insertion required for pre-formed inserts.
2Volume of moving object
If spherical inserts are applied by beveling the head, then small-diameter inserts can be used, but only nipples of limited length can be manufactured suitable for short spokes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by first forming the axial hole to the required depth and dimensions before injecting the resin. This allows the insert to be formed with precise control over its length and position within the nipple, enabling the production of longer nipples with adequate thread engagement for both short and long spokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by controlling the injection pressure, volume, and curing characteristics of the resin to form inserts with optimized dimensions. The resin can be injected to fill the entire axial hole, creating an insert length that maximizes thread engagement while maintaining the required nipple length for various spoke applications.
3Reliability
If pre-formed inserts are used, then the self-locking mechanism is established, but the inserts involve surface contact which may affect the threaded hole functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by forming the insert only within the axial hole while maintaining the threaded hole's external surfaces and threading intact. The resin insert is confined to the internal axial cavity, providing self-locking friction coupling internally without interfering with the external threaded interface that receives the spoke.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the nipple structure into distinct functional zones: the threaded hole region for spoke engagement and the axial hole region for the resin insert. This segmentation allows the insert to provide self-locking function independently within the axial hole while the threaded hole maintains its original threading and surface characteristics for proper spoke thread engagement.
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 method allows for the production of self-locking nipples with small-diameter inserts that can accommodate various spoke lengths, providing a secure friction coupling and overcoming the limitations of previous technologies in terms of size and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a plastics material (nylon or other thermoplastic resin) into holes 11 in the fused state
Implementation Method 2
injecting a plastics material (nym or other thermoplastic resin) into holes 11 in the fused state. After subsequent cooling semi-finished product 10 will therefore have holes 11 filled with inserts 9
Implementation Method 3
there is a friction coupling between the thread on the spoke and that in the insert producing the desired self-locking effect between the spoke and nipple
Data Source
AI summary
A method for manufacturing self-locking nipples comprising the steps of providing a semi-finished nipple (10) with an enlarged head (5) in comparison with the shank (6), providing at least a first blind hole (11, 11a) in that head, injecting a fluid resin into the hole (11, 11a) and solidifying so as to obtain a corresponding insert (9, 9a), making a second axial hole (7) in the semi-finished product at least partly intersecting the said insert (9, 9a).