Zippered Coupling Bellow for Fast Replacement and Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing coupling bellows require complete disassembly of axles and couplings for replacement, which is time-consuming and inefficient, and lack adaptability to various applications.

Innovation Solution

A flexible bellow made of polymer, elastomer, or textile material with clamps and a zipper design that allows for quick attachment and detachment from connector ends, enabling rapid replacement and adaptation to different uses without the need for gluing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional bellows are used in couplings, then the coupling is protected from foreign matter, but complete disassembly is required for replacement which is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from foreign matterVSAvoidtime for replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows is divided into multiple sections with zipper connections between them, allowing the bellows to be segmented and reassembled. This segmentation enables partial replacement or adjustment without complete disassembly, resolving the contradiction between maintaining protection and reducing replacement time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bellows incorporates zippers that can be dynamically opened and closed, transforming the bellows from a static sealed structure to a dynamic one that can be quickly adjusted. This dynamic feature allows rapid replacement while maintaining the protective function when closed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional bellows are used in couplings, then the coupling is protected from foreign matter, but the structure is complex and requires multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from foreign matterVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple bellows sections are merged into a single integrated structure with zipper connections, combining the functions of multiple components into one unified assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining the protective function, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If traditional bellows are used in couplings, then the coupling is protected from foreign matter, but the bellows cannot be easily adapted to different uses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from foreign matterVSAvoidadaptability to different uses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bellows is segmented into multiple sections that can be independently adjusted or reconfigured. This segmentation provides adaptability to different coupling configurations and uses while maintaining the protective function through the zipper connections that seal the segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12152678B2Bellow

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 KAAN HLDG AS

AI summary

Bellow of a flexible material for protecting a coupling comprising first and second connector end subject to vibration and torsion. The bellow comprises a material able to prevent material from entering or exiting the space between the connector ends. The bellow is arranged to be attached to the first connector end by a first clamp and to the second connector end by a second clamp. The bellow is provided with a zipper comprising a zipper slider and first and second zipper part attached to opposite ends of the sheet. Thus, the bellow can be wrapped around said first connector end and second connector end and closed by zipper.