Dynamic U-to-O Grasping Device for Tube Fitting Fastening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swaging-type tube fitting fastening tools face challenges in manipulating and securing tube fittings in narrow spaces due to their design, which either compromise on usability or structural integrity, with U-shaped tools being inconvenient in tight spaces and O-shaped tools requiring more space for operation.
Innovation Solution
An object grasping device with a U-shaped frame configuration that transforms into an O-shaped structure, utilizing interlocking inserts and a link angle restriction unit to securely grasp and fasten tube fittings, allowing for efficient operation in confined areas while maintaining structural stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a U-shaped tool is used for fastening tube fittings, then the tool can be conveniently manipulated and inserted laterally, but the tool cannot transmit force to the complete region of the tube fitting and requires a larger frame size for mechanical rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool employs a link mechanism that enables dynamic transformation from a U-shape configuration during insertion to an O-shape configuration during fastening. This dynamic structural change allows the tool to achieve compact insertion profile while providing complete circumferential force transmission during operation, eliminating the need for a larger frame size.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is divided into movable link segments that can relative move with respect to each other. The link mechanism includes multiple connected components that transform the overall shape from U-shaped to O-shaped, allowing the tool to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements while maintaining mechanical rigidity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a U-shaped tool is used with hydraulic cylinder positioned distant from tube fitting, then the cylinder can be disposed at available space, but the frame becomes relatively large and heavy to ensure mechanical rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism dynamically reconfigures the tool structure, bringing the hydraulic cylinder into closer proximity with the tube fitting during the fastening operation. This reduces the moment arm and decreases the frame size and weight required to maintain mechanical rigidity, while still allowing flexible cylinder positioning during the insertion phase.
3Reliability
If an O-shaped tool is used to surround the tube fitting, then the tool transmits balanced force and is structurally stable, but a wider space is required for opening one side and placing the tube fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The tool utilizes a dynamic link mechanism that transforms from an open U-shape configuration during insertion to a closed O-shape configuration during fastening. This allows the tool to achieve the structural stability and balanced force transmission of an O-shaped tool while requiring minimal workspace area during the insertion phase, as the tool is inserted in its compact U-shaped state.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism allows the tool components to nest or fold into a compact U-shaped configuration for insertion, then expand and interlock to form the complete O-shaped structure during fastening. This nesting capability enables the tool to achieve complete circumferential engagement without requiring wide workspace for opening operations.
4Reliability
If an O-shaped tool is used with opened and closed structure, then the tool transmits balanced force, but the tool requires operation of opening and closing which reduces ease of operation in narrow spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism provides automatic dynamic transformation from U-shape to O-shape configuration through relative movement of connected components. This eliminates the need for manual opening and closing operations, as the transformation occurs automatically during insertion and fastening, maintaining both balanced force transmission and ease of operation in narrow spaces.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4AA~4BB
AI summary
Disclosed are an object grasping device and a swaging-type tube fitting fastening tool. An object grasping device for grasping an outer peripheral surface of an object according to an exemplary embodiment of the present application may include: an upper frame provided to have an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of an upper portion of the object so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the upper portion of the object in a grasping completion state in which the object grasping device grasps the outer peripheral surface of the object; a left lower frame provided to have an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of a left lower portion of the object so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the left lower portion of the object in the grasping completion state; a right lower frame provided to have an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of a right lower portion of the object so as to surround the outer peripheral surface of the right lower portion of the object in the grasping completion state; a left link member configured to link a left portion of the upper frame and a middle portion of the left lower frame by means of hinges each having a rotating axis defined in a forward/backward direction; and a right link member configured to link a right portion of the upper frame and a middle portion of the right lower frame by means of hinges each having a rotating axis defined in the forward/backward direction.