Applicator Ram Adaptor With Spring-Loaded Latch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wire termination machines face difficulties in quickly and easily connecting applicator rams and terminator rams, and they lack a practical and visible fine wire crimp height adjustment mechanism due to tight tolerances and limited space.

Innovation Solution

A quick connect/quick disconnect connector system using a spring-loaded latch mechanism and a crimp height adjustment mechanism with a large-diameter calibration device for precise adjustments, allowing easy coupling and uncoupling of the rams and facilitating fine crimp height adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed hook style connection is used to connect applicator ram and terminator ram, then the connection maintains fixed joint stability, but the connection process becomes difficult and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed joint stabilityVSAvoidconnection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system is divided into separate components: a channel in the applicator ram, a post on the terminator ram, and a latch mechanism. This segmentation allows for easier assembly by enabling the post to be inserted into the channel without requiring precise alignment, while the latch mechanism separately provides the secure fixed joint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism is pre-positioned within the channel and designed to automatically engage with the post when it is inserted. This preliminary positioning of the latch eliminates the need for manual alignment or complex assembly steps, reducing connection time while maintaining joint stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If tight tolerances are used in the channel to maintain fixed joint, then the connection stability is improved, but the difficulty of feeding the terminator ram end into the channel increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixed joint stabilityVSAvoidfeeding difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system separates the alignment function from the securing function. The channel and post are designed with generous tolerances for easy insertion, while the latch mechanism provides the precise securing action, eliminating the need for tight tolerances in the main connection interface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between easy insertion and secure connection. It allows the post to be fed into the channel without tight tolerances, then provides the necessary mechanical constraint to maintain fixed joint stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If small crimp height adjustment dials are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the visibility and ease of making fine adjustments deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedial sizeVSAvoidfine adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The crimp height adjustment mechanism uses a dial that can be rotated to dynamically adjust the position of the applicator ram relative to the terminator ram. This rotational movement provides fine control over crimp height while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism translates rotational motion of the dial into linear displacement of the applicator ram. This dimensional transformation allows for precise control of crimp height while keeping the dial size manageable, as the rotational dimension provides mechanical advantage for fine adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables rapid and secure connection of applicator and terminator rams, improving the ease of use and visibility of crimp height adjustments, thus enhancing the efficiency of the wire termination process.

Implementation Method 1

A quick connect/quick disconnect connector system using a spring-loaded latch mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8511137B2Applicator ram having a ram adaptor
Publication Date: 2013.08.20 TE CONNECTIVITY SOLUTIONS GMBH
  • US8511137B2 patent drawing
  • US8511137B2 patent drawing
  • US8511137B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An applicator ram includes a ram body configured to hold crimp tooling, and a ram adaptor coupled to the ram body. The ram adaptor is configured to be coupled to a terminator ram. The ram adaptor includes an adaptor hub having a hub chamber configured to receive a ram post of the terminator ram. A latch mechanism is movably received in the hub chamber. The latch mechanism is movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch mechanism is configured to engage the ram post in the latched position. The latch mechanism allows the ram post to be released from the hub chamber in the unlatched position. An adaptor stud extends from the adaptor hub and is configured to be coupled to the applicator ram.