Connector Gripper Service Tool for Clean O-Ring Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Quick-release connectors with grippers, such as collets or grab rings, often require replacement due to O-ring compression set, leading to ineffective seals, but current practices involve wasteful replacement of the entire connector, which is difficult and prone to contamination during manual handling of components.
Innovation Solution
A multi-tool with multiple tool heads, including a socket for prising the gripper, a hook for removing the O-ring, and a pick for inserting a new O-ring, designed to facilitate efficient and contamination-free servicing of connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual manipulation is used to remove and replace the O-ring, then the connector can be serviced, but contamination in the form of dirt, hair and the like is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the connector components. This tool includes a gripper removal mechanism and an O-ring installation tool that interface with the connector without requiring direct manual contact with internal components, thereby preventing contamination while enabling servicing operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed to enable the connector to service itself through automated or semi-automated mechanisms. The gripper removal tool allows the gripper to be extracted without manual disassembly, and the O-ring tool automatically installs the seal, reducing the need for fiddly manual manipulation that introduces contamination
2Productivity
If the gripper and O-ring replacement process is simplified, then servicing time is reduced, but the complexity of the tooling required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated tooling systems. The service tool merges gripper removal capability with O-ring installation capability into a single device that can perform both operations sequentially. This consolidation reduces overall servicing time while managing complexity through functional integration rather than multiple separate tools
Solution Approach 2:
The service tool is designed with universal applicability to handle different connector types and sizes. By incorporating adjustable or interchangeable components, the tool can service various connector configurations without requiring specialized tooling for each variant, thus reducing total tooling complexity while maintaining high productivity
3Reliability
If the entire connector is replaced instead of just the O-ring, then sealing effectiveness is restored, but material waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the faulty component (O-ring) from the connector assembly rather than replacing the entire unit. The service tool enables precise removal of the degraded O-ring and installation of a replacement seal, allowing the main connector body and functional components to be reused. This selective extraction restores sealing effectiveness while minimizing material waste
Solution Approach 2:
The process discards only the worn O-ring component while recovering and reusing the majority of the connector assembly. The service tool facilitates this by enabling easy removal of the seal and retention of the gripper and connector body, thus recovering valuable materials and reducing waste while restoring reliable sealing function
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-tool for servicing a connector with a gripper. the multi-tool comprises a plurality of tool heads arranged around a central hub 20. These include a first head 21 comprising a socket for insertion between a gripper ring and connector to prise the gripper from the connector, a second head 22 comprising a hook to engage with and remove an O-ring from within the connector, and a third head 23 comprising a pick for picking up an O-ring for insertion into the connector.