Crimping Tool Alignment for Cup Washer Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cup washer crimping tools using hammers and drifts lack precision in applying crimps, leading to potential misalignment and safety hazards due to unpredictable hammer blows.
Innovation Solution
A crimping tool with a crimp former, clocking body, and slide hammer mechanism that positions crimping tangs accurately at desired locations on the bolt and cup washer, preventing misalignment and ensuring controlled crimp application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hammer and drift are used to apply crimps to the cup washer, then the operator has flexibility in applying crimps at any location, but the crimp placement precision deteriorates and safety hazards increase due to unpredictable hammer swings and errant blows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a crimping tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the cup washer. This tool includes a crimp former with positioning features that interface with the bolt head and cup washer, providing controlled crimp application at precise locations without requiring the operator to directly swing a hammer, thus eliminating errant blows while maintaining adaptability through the tool's design
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping tool incorporates pre-configured positioning features including a clocking body with a clocking tab that engages with the cup washer opening, and a crimp former with crimping tangs positioned at specific locations. These preliminary positioning actions ensure that when the tool is applied, the crimps are automatically placed at the desired locations on the cup washer rim, eliminating the need for operator judgment during the striking operation
2Device complexity
If a hammer and drift are used for crimping, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability deteriorates due to operator injury risks and hardware damage from errant hammer blows
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping tool serves as a safety intermediary that absorbs and directs the hammer strikes through a controlled mechanism. The slide hammer engages with the crimp former, which is positioned by the clocking body and crimp former flange, ensuring that force is applied only to the intended crimp locations. This intermediary system eliminates errant blows that could injure operators or damage surrounding hardware while maintaining relatively simple device construction
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping tool incorporates positioning features such as the clocking tab engaging with the cup washer opening and the crimp former flange engaging with the bolt head before the hammer strike is applied. These preliminary engagement features ensure proper alignment and prevent misdirected forces, cushioning against potential operator injury and hardware damage before the actual crimping force is applied
3Manufacturing precision
If a crimping tool with clocking body and slide hammer mechanism is used, then the crimp placement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to simple hammer and drift
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping tool is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle for operator grip, a shaft connecting to the crimp former, a slide hammer for force application, a clocking body for angular positioning, and a crimp former with positioning features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving precise crimp placement through the coordinated action of simpler individual parts rather than a monolithic complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The crimping tool employs a nested structure where the crimp former is positioned within the clocking body, which in turn engages with the cup washer opening. The crimp former flange nests against the bolt head, and the slide hammer nests along the shaft. This nested arrangement achieves precise positioning and controlled force application through layered components, managing device complexity through hierarchical organization rather than scattered complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to crimping tool for crimping a cup washer to a bolt. The crimping tool includes several alignment features that prevent the crimping tool from being used in an orientation other than a desired orientation.