Articulated Hydraulic Tool Connection for Confined Space Maneuverability
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic tool devices, such as blind riveting tools, are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver due to rigid connections and control hoses, limiting their use in narrow and hard-to-reach spaces, especially in the motor vehicle sector where high-strength materials require powered tools for processing.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic tool device with a connection receptacle and supply unit that can be connected articulatedly, allowing for rotatable and pivotable movement, eliminating the need for a separate actuating unit and enabling flexible, mobile use in confined areas by avoiding rigid connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a rigid connection with control hoses is used to connect the hydraulic tool to the drive unit, then the tool can apply high forces for processing high-strength materials, but the tool becomes cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in narrow and hard-to-reach spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the hydraulic tool and the drive unit is changed from a rigid, fixed connection to a dynamic, articulated connection. The articulated connection unit allows the connection receptacle and connection unit to rotate and pivot relative to each other, enabling the tool to be maneuvered freely in narrow and hard-to-reach spaces while maintaining the hydraulic connection for applying high forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated connection unit functions similarly to a flexible coupling, allowing relative movement between the connection receptacle and connection unit. This flexibility enables the tool to navigate complex spatial configurations without requiring rigid structural support, thereby improving maneuverability while maintaining force transmission capability.
2Ease of operation
If the hydraulic tool is spatially decoupled from the drive via a supply line, then the tool becomes more mobile, but the rigid connection of the control hose still limits handling in difficult-to-access areas
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated connection unit merges the functions of the supply line connection and the control mechanism into a single integrated structure. The connection receptacle and connection unit are combined with articulation capabilities, eliminating the need for separate rigid control hoses and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated connection unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the hydraulic fluid connection, allows for relative movement and positioning, and eliminates the need for separate control hoses. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and simplifies the overall connection structure.
3Ease of operation
If an actuating unit is integrated on the hydraulic tool for controlling the drive, then the tool can be controlled locally, but the tool becomes structurally more complex and harder to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating unit is merged with the articulated connection unit, combining the control function with the connection and positioning function. This integration allows local control of the drive while maintaining the simplicity and mobility of the tool, as the actuating unit becomes part of the already-necessary articulated connection structure rather than an additional separate component.
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 the hydraulic tool to be used in previously inaccessible areas with enhanced mobility and ease of handling, applying high forces while being compact and lightweight, thus improving operational flexibility and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic tool device (100), in particular a blind riveting tool device, with a hydraulic tool (10) operated with hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
the connection receptacle (2) and the connection unit (8) can be connected to one another in an articulated manner
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The device has a hydraulic tool (1) comprising connection retainers (2, 6), and a hydraulic supply unit (7) with a plug unit (4) and a connection unit (8) formed for connection with the connection retainers. An actuator unit (3) is formed for controlling a hydraulic drive. The connection retainers and the plug- and connection units are connected with each other in an articulated manner. The connection retainers and the plug- and connection units are formed such that the retainers and the plug- and connection units are rotated and/or pivoted relative to each other in a connected condition. The hydraulic tool is a hand riveter and/or a rivet tool. The supply unit is designed as a flexible tube or a pipe. The actuator unit is a control unit and a trip lever.