Fitting Insertion Tool for Flexible Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually installing barbed fittings into flexible tubing is strenuous and requires significant dexterity, especially when connecting multiple tubes, and can be exacerbated by cold weather conditions.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a first and second handle, featuring a tube-gripping element and fitting alignment fixture, allows for easy alignment and insertion of fittings into tubing, reducing the strength and dexterity required, by using a pivotable mechanism and spring bias to facilitate gripping and releasing the tubing, and aligning fittings for secure insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fittings are manually inserted into flexible tubing, then the installation can be performed with simple equipment, but the strength and dexterity required increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fitting insertion tool as an intermediary device between the operator and the tubing-fitting assembly. The tool includes a gripping mechanism that holds the tubing, a positioning mechanism that aligns the fitting, and a pressing mechanism that forces the fitting into the tubing. This intermediary tool performs the difficult insertion action, reducing the direct physical demands on the operator while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Device complexity
If multiple fittings are installed manually, then the task can be completed with basic tools, but the installer's stamina is overwhelmed
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting insertion tool is designed to be self-sustaining through its spring-loaded mechanism. The spring automatically resets the pressing mechanism after each insertion, eliminating the need for the operator to manually reposition or recharge the tool between fittings. This self-service characteristic allows rapid repetition of the insertion operation without proportionally increasing operator fatigue, enabling efficient installation of multiple fittings.
3Device complexity
If fittings are inserted manually without alignment aid, then the process is simpler, but the precision of fitting insertion decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates a positioning mechanism that performs preliminary alignment of the fitting with the tubing before the insertion action occurs. The mechanism includes guides or registration features that ensure the fitting is correctly oriented and positioned relative to the tubing opening before the pressing force is applied. This preliminary alignment action guarantees precise insertion without adding complex adjustment procedures during the actual installation.
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
The tool significantly reduces the physical effort needed to connect flexible sap collection tubing with fittings, improving ease and efficiency, allowing for quicker installation even in colder conditions.
Implementation Method 1
using a pivotable mechanism and spring bias to facilitate gripping and releasing the tubing
Data Source
AI summary
A tool usable to insert tubing fittings into tubing includes a first handle and a second handle, each with a connection end and a gripping end. The connection end of the second handle is movably connected to the connection end of the first handle, the gripping end of the second handle being biased away from the gripping end of the first handle. A tube-gripping element is mounted on the first handle, and a fitting alignment fixture is mounted on the second handle. The tube-gripping element is configured to move into a first position to hold the tubing or into a second position to release the tubing, while the fitting alignment fixture is configured to press a protruding portion of the tubing fitting into an open end of the tubing.