Corner Connection Tightening Tool With Symmetric Force Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for tightening and aligning corner connections in construction profiles lack control systems to ensure sufficient tightening and require the use of external tools like screwdrivers, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
A tool with multiple portions that exert balanced forces on corner connectors, featuring force and distance sensors to ensure symmetric tightening and alignment, allowing independent or simultaneous operation on multiple connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If existing tools are used to tighten corner connections, then the tightening process can be performed, but there is no control system to guarantee sufficient tightening and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates force sensors and distance sensors that provide real-time feedback on the tightening process. The force sensors measure the tightening force applied to the corner connector, while the distance sensors monitor the position and alignment. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of the tightening process, ensuring that predetermined force and position thresholds are met, thereby resolving the contradiction between achieving high manufacturing precision and maintaining device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical tightening operations with an automated system that uses sensors and controlled actuation. Instead of relying on operator skill and external tools like screwdrivers, the system uses force sensors to detect and control tightening forces, and distance sensors to monitor alignment, substituting mechanical judgment with instrumented measurement and control.
2Ease of operation
If external tools like screwdrivers are used to tighten corner connections, then tightening can be performed, but the process becomes more complex and less controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tightening function and alignment function into a single integrated tool. The tool includes both force sensors for tightening control and distance sensors for alignment monitoring, eliminating the need for separate external tools like screwdrivers. This integration simplifies the operation while maintaining precise control, as the operator uses one tool for both functions rather than switching between multiple tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs self-measurement and self-control during the tightening process. The force sensors automatically detect the tightening force and provide feedback to control the actuation, while the distance sensors monitor alignment and adjust positioning. This self-service capability reduces the need for external tools and manual adjustment, making the operation easier while maintaining precision.
3Productivity
If multiple corner connectors are tightened sequentially, then each can be tightened individually, but the process time increases and consistency is harder to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple corner connectors simultaneously. It includes multiple force sensors and distance sensors that can monitor and control tightening and alignment of multiple connectors at the same time. This multi-functional capability allows the tool to maintain consistent alignment across all connectors while improving productivity by processing them in parallel rather than sequentially.
4Manufacturing precision
If force is applied manually to tighten corner connectors, then the process is simple, but balanced and symmetric tightening is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses force sensors to provide real-time feedback on the tightening force applied to each corner connector. The system monitors the force on both sides of the corner connector and adjusts the actuation to maintain symmetric and balanced tightening. This feedback control ensures that equal forces are applied to maintain coplanarity, resolving the contradiction between achieving precise symmetric tightening and maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention pertains to a tool for tightening and aligning a corner connection formed by construction profiles and a corner connector. The tool comprises a first portion on a first plane (X-Z) defined by a first axis (X) and a third axis (Z), perpendicular to the first axis (X), a second portion on a second plane (Y-Z) defined by the third axis (Z) and by a second axis (Y), orthogonal to the first axis (X) and to the third axis (Z). The first and second portions comprise an abutment portion to abut against an engagement region of a side body of a corner connector. The first and second portions are configured to exert forces on respective engagement regions of a side body, allowing the displacement of a respective side body towards a corner portion. The forces are exerted at the same time. Sensors limit the exertion of the force in function of a maximum amount of force or a maximum distance travelled.