Cutting Ring Mounting with Tool-Carrier Position Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing assembly devices for mounting cutting rings on pipes are complex, expensive, and prone to errors due to the need for large, intricate sockets and spring-loaded mechanisms, making them inflexible and difficult to maintain.

Innovation Solution

A device where the measuring unit is integrated into a universal tool carrier, interacting with a prestressed sliding sleeve, allowing precise monitoring of pipe position without the need for a screw connection, and utilizing an RFID chip for data management and assembly parameter tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the measuring device is integrated into every assembly socket, then the position of the pipe end can be monitored, but the sockets become very large, complex and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition monitoringVSAvoidsocket complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is separated from the assembly socket and integrated into the tool carrier instead. The tool carrier becomes the independent carrier of the measuring device, while the socket remains a simple mounting component. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for complex integrated designs in the socket.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tool carrier is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple different assembly sockets. The measuring device in the tool carrier serves all sockets, making the system versatile without requiring each socket to have its own dedicated measuring device. This universality reduces overall system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the assembly socket is mechanically connected to the tool carrier with spring elements, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex spring-loaded connecting elements are removed from the system. The connection between socket and tool carrier is simplified to a direct mechanical interface without intermediate spring elements, eliminating the sources of error and assembly time associated with these components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using spring elements to create a secure connection, the design inverts the approach by using a simple rigid connection that achieves reliability through precision fitting and geometric constraints rather than elastic deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If a screw connection is used between the stop means and connecting element, then the connection is secure, but the device becomes more complex and requires more maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screw connection is completely removed from the mechanism. The stop means connects directly to the sliding sleeve through a simple geometric interface, eliminating the need for threaded fasteners and associated complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pin head acts as an intermediary element between the stop means and sliding sleeve, providing a simple contact interface that replaces the need for screw connections while maintaining secure mechanical coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3725464B1Cutting ring mounting apparatus
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 VOSS FLUID
  • EP3725464B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3725464B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3725464B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device (1) for mounting a cutting ring (2) onto an end region (12) of a tube (14), comprising a counter-holding plate (4) with a through-opening (4a), a tool carrier (6), and a mounting sleeve (8) mounted on the tool carrier (6) between the tool carrier (6) and the counter-holding plate (4). The mounting sleeve (8) is displaceable along a central longitudinal axis (X) at least in the direction of the counter-holding plate (4) and has a receiving recess for receiving the end region (12) of the tube (14) with an end face and for receiving the cutting ring (2), which can be slid onto the end region (12) and mounted on the tube (14). A counter-holding element (16) can be arranged on the tube (14) between the cutting ring (2) and the counter-holding plate (4).Furthermore, the mounting fitting (8) has a measuring device (18) for detecting the position of the tube (14) inserted into the receiving recess by means of a stop (20). The measuring device (18) is formed in the tool carrier (6) and interacts with a sliding sleeve (22), the stop (20) being in operative contact with a pre-tensioned sliding sleeve (22) over its entire axial travel path extending to the central longitudinal axis (X). The invention further relates to a method for mounting a cutting ring (2) on a tube (14), preferably using such a device (1).