Slotted Support Sleeve With Retaining Means for Axial Load Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for supporting hollow bodies under axial forces often result in deformation, and require complex fixing measures like forming, clinching, or welding to prevent support displacement, which can damage components and are cumbersome to handle.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece support sleeve with a shaft and holding means that passes through the hollow body's openings, featuring a slot for radial deformation and adjustable stop elements to absorb forces, allowing secure fixation without complex assembly or damage risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support elements are inserted between spaced-apart components, then the hollow body is supported under axial forces, but the support elements may change position or orientation during handling, requiring complex fixing measures
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve is designed with a retaining means that automatically engages with the hollow body wall during insertion, causing the support element to self-fix without requiring additional fixing operations. The retaining means protrudes radially outward to engage behind the wall, securing the support sleeve in place through its own structural design.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means is pre-configured on the support sleeve to automatically engage with the hollow body wall during the insertion process. This preliminary engagement action occurs before any handling or loading, ensuring the support element is secured in advance and prevents subsequent position or orientation changes.
2Reliability
If complex fixing measures like forming, clinching, or welding are used to secure support elements, then the support position is stabilized, but the component may be damaged during the fixing process
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve secures itself through the retaining means that engages with the hollow body wall during insertion, eliminating the need for external fixing operations. This self-securing mechanism avoids all associated damages from forming, clinching, or welding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The support sleeve uses a simple, easily replaceable design where the retaining means provides sufficient securing without permanent modification to the hollow body. If damage occurs, the support sleeve itself can be replaced without affecting the hollow body, avoiding long-term damage risks.
3Ease of manufacture
If the support sleeve is designed to be held in the wall by the retaining means, then complex fixing measures are eliminated, but the retaining means must deform radially outward which requires sufficient restoring force
Solution Approach 1:
The support sleeve design allows the retaining means to change its radial dimension dynamically - deforming inward during insertion for easy assembly, then deforming outward to engage the wall and provide securing force. This parameter change enables both easy assembly and sufficient holding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining means transitions from a deformed state (radially inward) during insertion to a restored state (radially outward) after insertion, using elastic deformation and restoration. This dynamic behavior enables the support sleeve to be easily inserted while still providing strong securing force once in place.
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 effectively absorbs axial forces, preventing deformation of the hollow body and simplifying handling and assembly by eliminating the need for complex fixing methods, while ensuring the support sleeve remains securely in place without the risk of loosening or falling out.
Implementation Method 1
The holding means is deformable radially inward against a restoring force
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6
AI summary
Support sleeve (1), in particular for supporting spaced-apart components or component sections, wherein the support sleeve (1) is formed in one piece, wherein the support sleeve (1) has a shaft with a first shaft section (6), a second shaft section (7) adjoining the first shaft section (6) in the axial direction (Z), and a third shaft section (8) adjoining the second shaft section (7) in the axial direction (Z), wherein the third shaft section (8) forms an end (3) of the support sleeve (1), wherein the second shaft section (7) has a retaining means, wherein the retaining means projects radially outwards relative to the first and third shaft sections (6, 8) and is deformable radially inwards against a restoring force, wherein the shaft (5) has a slot (10) over the entire axial length of the shaft (5).