Ferrule Crimping Feed Mechanism With Self-Adjusting Hold-Down
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing crimping tools require manual adjustment of the transport device to accommodate different wire end ferrule diameters, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A crimping tool with a pre-tensioned transport device and a hold-down mechanism that automatically adjusts to the size of the wire end ferrules, ensuring reliable feeding without manual adjustment, using a spring-loaded hold-down device to maintain ferrule position during the crimping process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the transport device is manually adjusted to accommodate different wire end ferrule diameters, then the device can adapt to various sizes, but the adjustment process becomes time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The transport device is designed to automatically adapt to different ferrule diameters through spring-loaded transport levers that self-adjust based on the ferrule size. The operator simply loads ferrules of different diameters, and the spring mechanism automatically positions the transport levers at the correct height, eliminating manual adjustment requirements and enabling the system to serve itself across multiple size variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded transport levers utilize elastic deformation to change their position parameter (height) in response to different ferrule diameters. When ferrules of varying sizes are loaded, the spring compresses or extends to different degrees, automatically adjusting the transport lever height to match each ferrule diameter without requiring manual parameter changes by the operator.
2Extent of automation
If a hold-down device is added to automatically press the transport plate, then automatic adjustment is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hold-down device incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the crimping cycle. During crimping, the spring-loaded hold-down arm automatically presses the transport plate to secure ferrules of any diameter. After crimping, the spring automatically releases the pressure. This self-actuating mechanism achieves automation without requiring external control systems, sensors, or complex actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The hold-down device uses a dynamic spring-loaded arm that can move between engaged and disengaged positions. The spring constant is calibrated so that the arm naturally maintains contact pressure during crimping operations while allowing automatic disengagement when not in use. This dynamic design provides automatic adjustment functionality while maintaining a simple mechanical structure that adapts to different operating conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic adjustment to different ferrule diameters, ensuring consistent and efficient crimping without manual intervention, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing setup time.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element, which pushes the transport plate and the transport lever apart
Implementation Method 2
a spring element held on a spring retaining bridge of the hold-down device, which springs against a support surface of the head shell and presses the transport plate against the transport lever
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pressing tool (1) which has two grips (2, 3) movable relative to one another, a crimping unit (4) with a crimping drum (41) arranged in a tool head (12) of the pressing tool and having at least one crimping die and a depository for storing a strip (10) of ferrules (11) connected to one another in the form of a belt, a transport device (5) movable in a prestressed manner in the direction of the crimping drum (41) to transport the ferrule strip (10) from the depository in the direction of the crimping drum (41), the transport device (5) having a transport plate (62) and a transport lever (61), which is arranged pivotably and in a sprung fashion relative to said transport plate and which has an attachment (64), which is close to the crimping drum (41) and can be pressed in between adjacent ferrules (12), there being arranged, between the transport device (5) and a support surface (24) of a head cap (22) of the tool head (12), a holding-down device (5) which is supported in sprung fashion on the support surface (24) and which presses the transport plate (62) against the transport lever (61).