Crimping Locator Mechanism for Elongated Workpiece Positioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing crimping tools face challenges in efficiently and precisely holding elongated workpieces during the crimping process, leading to suboptimal mechanical and electrical connections.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a holder frame, a guide member, and a locator element with slidably engaged surfaces, allowing for adjustable positioning and movement in multiple directions to securely hold elongated workpieces, enhancing the crimping process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a fixed locator is used to hold the workpiece, then the structure is simple, but the positioning precision and adaptability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidlocator structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locator element is made movable along the longitudinal main extension direction through a guide mechanism, transforming it from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the locator to be positioned precisely at different locations while maintaining structural simplicity through guided linear motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locator system is divided into separate functional components: the locator element itself, the guide member defining the movement path, and the holder frame providing support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while achieving overall positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the locator element is made adjustable in multiple directions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocator adjustabilityVSAvoidguide mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locator element is made movable along the longitudinal main extension direction through a guide mechanism, transforming it from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the locator to be positioned precisely at different locations while maintaining structural simplicity through guided linear motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member serves multiple functions: it defines the movement path for the locator element, provides structural support, and enables adjustable positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, maintaining device simplicity while achieving adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If a rigid holder structure is used, then the structural stability is high, but the adjustment precision is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecavity position adjustment precisionVSAvoidholder frame stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The locator element is made movable along the longitudinal main extension direction through a guide mechanism, transforming it from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable one. This allows the locator to be positioned precisely at different locations while maintaining structural simplicity through guided linear motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide member acts as an intermediary between the rigid holder frame and the movable locator element. It translates the movement of the locator element into precise positional adjustments while maintaining the stability of the overall holder structure through its guided constraint mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11482824B2Apparatus for holding a workpiece to be crimped and tools comprising such an apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 PRESSMASTER

AI summary

An apparatus (102) for holding at least one elongated workpiece (106) to be crimped, wherein the apparatus comprises a holder frame (122), a guide member (124) and a locator element (114) having at least one holder surface (116) defining an elongated cavity (118) for receiving and holding the workpiece. The holder frame is arranged to hold the guide member and the locator element, the at least one elongated cavity having a longitudinal main extension (120). The locator element is movable in a first guide (126) in the direction (127) of the longitudinal main extension. The guide member is movable in a second guide (128) in relation to the locator element in a direction (129) perpendicular to the direction (127) of the longitudinal main extension. The guide member and the locator element are slidably engaged with one another. The guide member, when being moved in a direction (129) perpendicular to the direction (127) of the longitudinal main extension, is configured to move the locator element in the direction (127) of the longitudinal main extension. A crimping tool (170) comprising such an apparatus (102).