Septum Insertion via Suction Mandrel and Tapering Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for inserting septums into carrier elements are complex, time-consuming, and costly, as they require separate steps for insertion and gluing, making them unsuitable for fully automatic processes.

Innovation Solution

A method using a suction mandrel to attach and elastically compress the septum, allowing it to be pushed through a tapering setting channel and securely clamped into the carrier element, eliminating the need for subsequent gluing and mechanical flanging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the septum is inserted using separate insertion and gluing steps as in prior art, then the connection between septum and carrier element is mechanically stable, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanically stable connectionVSAvoidprocess complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the insertion and fixation steps into a single operation by using a setting bush with a tapering setting channel that elastically compresses the septum to create a self-locking connection, eliminating the need for separate gluing steps and reducing process complexity while maintaining mechanical stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The setting bush acts as an intermediary tool that temporarily holds the septum during insertion and applies controlled elastic compression through its tapering channel, enabling automatic fixation without additional bonding agents or separate operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If separate insertion and gluing steps are used as in prior art, then the septum can be securely fixed, but the manufacturing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple operations (insertion, compression, and fixation) into a single automated process step using the setting bush, thereby reducing manufacturing time and increasing productivity while ensuring secure fixation through elastic compression

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The septum is designed to be self-fixing through elastic compression in the tapering setting channel, where the compressed septum naturally locks into the carrier element opening without requiring external bonding agents or additional fixation steps, enabling fully automated high-speed production

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the septum is elastically compressed in the setting channel, then the septum is firmly clamped in the setting opening, but the septum experiences material stress during insertion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefirm clampingVSAvoidmaterial stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The setting channel is designed with a gradual taper that progressively compresses the septum, cushioning the material stress by distributing the compression force over the insertion process rather than applying sudden high stress, while still achieving firm clamping in the final position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 enables a cost-effective, time-saving, and fully automatic process for inserting septums into carrier elements, ensuring a mechanically stable connection without additional aids or steps, reducing material stress and preventing protrusion.

Implementation Method 1

the septum is initially attached by means of a suction mandrel (40) to its end face by suction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

it is pushed into the setting opening (2) of the carrier element (3), the septum (1) being elastically compressed at least in the lateral direction while the septum (1) is being pushed through the setting channel (52)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic compression: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2799390B1Method for inserting at least one septum
Publication Date: 2017.06.07 GERRESHEIMER REGENSBURGH GMBH
  • EP2799390B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP2799390B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP2799390B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for inserting at least one septum (1) into a setting opening (2) of a support element (3), wherein the septum (1) is attached to a suction mandrel (40) in a first step by means of suction;In a second step, the septum (1) is positioned over an opening (51) of a setting sleeve (5) arranged vertically (V) between the suction mandrel (40) and the support element (3), and after the setting sleeve (5) is flush with the support element (3), the septum (1) is pushed completely through a setting channel (52) of the setting sleeve (5), which tapers in cross-section from the opening (51) towards the support element (3), by means of the suction mandrel (40) and inserted into the setting opening (2) of the support element (3), whereby during the pushing of the septum (1) through the setting channel (52), the septum (1) is elastically compressed at least in the lateral direction in order to clamp the septum (1) in the setting opening (2).