Hammer Union Securement Tool Torque Application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hammer unions face issues such as lug fatigue, imprecise force application, and strenuous manual labor due to the need for repeated hammer strikes to tighten or loosen connections, which can be dangerous and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A hammer union securement tool with an elongated grip, arcuate surface, lug torque member, and accessory lift portion that allows for precise torque application and efficient lifting of accessories, reducing manual labor and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hammers are used to strike lugs for tightening or loosening connections, then the connections can be secured or disconnected, but the lugs fatigue or wear out over time making them difficult to work and possibly dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelug durabilityVSAvoidlug workability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional hammer-strike mechanical system with a torque-applying tool that has an arcuate surface portion mating with the hammer union and a lug torque member that applies controlled torque directly to the lug through a lug opening, eliminating impact forces that cause fatigue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the force application parameter from impulsive hammer strikes to controlled continuous torque application, transforming the stress regime on the lugs from cyclic impact loading to steady rotational loading that does not cause fatigue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Force

If hammers are used to strike the lugs, then force can be applied to rotate the hammer union, but the force application is imprecise and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveforce application precisionVSAvoidoperation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the imprecise hammer-strike system with a torque-applying tool that provides precise and controlled force application through direct contact with the lug, enabling accurate rotational control of the hammer union

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a lug torque member as an intermediary between the operator and the lug, providing a controlled transmission path for force application that eliminates the imprecision of direct hammer strikes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If manual labor is used to lift pipe ends for placement into hammer unions, then connections can be made, but substantial strenuous manual labor is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelifting effortVSAvoidconnection setup speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lifting function and the securement function into a single integrated tool, where the working end includes both an accessory lift portion for lifting pipe ends and a lug torque member for securing connections, eliminating the need for separate manual lifting operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10898991B2Hammer union securement methods and apparatus

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 MOUNTAIN VALLEY SUPPLY LLC

AI summary

Techniques for lifting hammer union accessories (17) and securing hammer unions (2). A hammer union accessory (17) may be lifted with the accessory lift portion (11) of the working end (5) of a hammer union securement tool (1). An arcuate surface portion (6) may be configured to mate with a complimentary arcuate surface (7) of a hammer union (2), receive a lug (9) through a hammer union lug opening (8), torque a lug (9) with a lug torque member (10), and secure a hammer union (2).