Crimp Tool Die Alignment Provisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Crimped connections in plumbing systems often exhibit axial variability and poor diametric dimension repeatability due to poor axial alignment between the dies of crimp tools, leading to inconsistent crimped regions.
Innovation Solution
A die set and tool system with alignment provisions, including male and female projections on the dies, which are positionable within a crimping plane to ensure axial alignment during closure, forming a closed circular crimp region and reducing variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional crimp tools without alignment provisions are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but axial alignment precision between dies deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating alignment provisions (protrusions and recesses) on the dies before the crimping operation begins. These provisions pre-establish the correct axial alignment between dies, ensuring precise positioning is achieved automatically during tool closure without requiring additional alignment steps or complex adjustment mechanisms during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment provisions enable the dies to self-align through their own geometric features (protrusions fitting into recesses). This self-aligning mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment devices or complex control systems, allowing the tool to automatically achieve precise axial alignment through the inherent geometry of the dies themselves.
2Manufacturing precision
If alignment provisions are added to the dies, then crimp consistency is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment function is segmented as a distinct feature (protrusion and recess) separate from the main crimping surfaces. This segmentation allows the alignment provisions to be designed and manufactured as independent geometric elements that can be integrated into the die casting or machining process without fundamentally changing the overall manufacturing approach, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving improved crimp consistency.
3Reliability
If axial alignment between dies is poor, then axial variability of crimps increases, but if alignment provisions are added, device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment provisions utilize asymmetric geometric features (protrusions on one die matching recesses on the other) that create a unique, non-reversible alignment configuration. This asymmetric design ensures that the dies can only engage in the correct axial alignment position, reliably improving diametric dimension repeatability through simple geometric constraints rather than complex active control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
Die sets and tools using such die sets, are described which promote axial alignment of the dies during die closure. In addition, jaw sets for tools are described that promote axial alignment of the jaws during die closure. Also described are related methods using the die sets and/or tools with such die sets.