Hand Expansion Device Spatial Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held expansion devices for pipe ends often require complex mechanical engineering to ensure reliable sequence of operations across different spatial orientations, which complicates the expansion process and may lead to imperfections.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a sensor for detecting spatial movement and a computer unit to evaluate signals, allowing controlled operation of the expansion device, enabling reliable sequence of operations by ensuring proper angular movement and segment alignment during expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hand-held expansion device uses complex mechanical engineering to ensure reliable sequence of operations, then the reliability of operation sequence is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sequencing systems with an electronic control system comprising a sensor (7) for detecting spatial movement, a microprocessor (9) for evaluating sensor signals, and a control device for managing the expansion sequence. This substitution eliminates the need for intricate mechanical interlocks and sequencing mechanisms while ensuring reliable operation through electronic control logic that monitors device orientation and coordinates expansion steps.
2Reliability
If mechanical means are used to control expansion sequence, then the sequence control is reliable, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive mechanical sequencing components with more economical electronic components including a sensor (7), microprocessor (9), and control device. These electronic elements are generally less costly to manufacture and assemble than precision mechanical interlocks, while providing equivalent or superior control reliability through programmable logic that can be easily modified without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: detecting spatial orientation via sensor (7), evaluating movement data through microprocessor (9), coordinating the expansion sequence, and potentially adapting to different pipe configurations. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical subsystems into a single integrated control unit, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Manufacturing precision
If the expansion device requires multiple expansion passes with pipe rotation, then the expansion quality is improved, but the operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a sensor (7) continuously monitors the spatial movement and orientation of the expansion device during operation. The microprocessor (9) evaluates this feedback data to determine when the device has rotated to the appropriate position for subsequent expansion passes. This automated feedback loop ensures precise multi-pass expansion quality while minimizing idle time by immediately triggering the next expansion cycle as soon as proper orientation is achieved, eliminating manual positioning delays.
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
Facilitates reliable and efficient expansion processes across various spatial orientations, ensuring accurate alignment and minimizing imperfections by controlling the expansion device based on detected movements, thus simplifying the mechanical engineering requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (7) is provided for detecting a spatial movement of the hand-held expander (1)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates first to a hand tool, comprising a working head, which is actuated by an electric motor and/or by a hydraulic medium and which has a working part, and comprising a sensor for detecting a spatial motion, wherein the working part travels through a motion sequence as the result of a first triggering by a user in order to perform a working process. In order to specify a hand tool that allows a reliable series of actuations at differential spatial orientations of the tool to be achieved, according to the invention an additional triggering is possible only if the working part has ended the motion sequence resulting from the first triggering and the tool has been spatially moved overall thereafter. The invention further relates to a hand expansion device (1) for expanding pipe ends (2), comprising an expanding head (4), which can be actuated by an electric motor and/or by a hydraulic medium and which has a plurality of segments (5), wherein the segments (5), which can be actuated by means of a spreading mandrel (6) that can be moved in the direction of a longitudinal axis (L) of the expanding head (4), can be spread transversely to a movement direction of the spreading mandrel as the result of a first triggering of an expansion process.