Hydraulic Crimping Tool With Reversible Piston Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power tools lack efficient mechanisms for controlling the movement of pistons and rams, particularly in tools that require precise crimping operations, leading to inefficiencies and difficulties in handling long cables or objects in tight spaces.
Innovation Solution
The hydraulic tool incorporates a system with a fluid reservoir, a pump driven by an electric motor, a cylinder with a piston, and trigger buttons that control the motor's direction to manage fluid flow, allowing precise extension and retraction of the piston and ram for crimping operations. Additionally, the tool features a pivotable crimping anvil that can be released to allow longitudinal access to the work area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a hydraulic actuation system is used to move the ram, then the tool can perform cutting, crimping, separation operations, but the tool lacks efficient control mechanisms for precise piston and ram movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the crimping anvil pivotable rather than fixed. The anvil can pivot about a pivot axis between a crimping position and a retracted position, allowing the system to adapt its configuration dynamically based on operational needs. This resolves the contradiction by providing efficient control for different operational scenarios without requiring a completely complex actuation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the crimping anvil from the main tool body through the pivot connection. This segmentation allows the anvil to be independently positioned and controlled, enabling precise control of the piston and ram movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall actuation system. The segmented design lets each component perform its function optimally.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the crimping anvil is fixed, then the structure is simple, but the tool has difficulty accessing tight spaces and handling long cables
Solution Approach 1:
The crimping anvil is designed to pivot dynamically between a crimping position where it engages with the piston for crimping operations and a retracted position where it clears the work area. This dynamic positioning capability enables the tool to access tight spaces and handle long cables effectively while maintaining relatively simple structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotational dimension to the anvil's movement by allowing it to pivot about a pivot axis. This dimensional change from linear to rotational motion provides adaptability for different work scenarios, enabling access to tight spaces and proper positioning for various cable lengths and sizes without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If the piston moves quickly, then productivity is high, but precision control for crimping operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic actuation system operates with periodic action, moving the piston and ram in controlled cycles. The system can rapidly position the anvil in the crimping position for high productivity, then maintain precise positioning during the actual crimping operation. This periodic control enables both quick positioning and precise execution of crimping operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic actuation system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the position and force applied during crimping operations. This feedback allows the system to adjust the piston movement in real-time, maintaining high productivity through rapid positioning while ensuring precise control during the critical crimping phase when the anvil engages with the workpiece.
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
This solution enables precise control over the crimping process, improves efficiency in handling various cable lengths and sizes, and facilitates easier access to the work area, enhancing overall tool performance and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor (202) mechanically coupled to the pump
Implementation Method 2
causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder
Implementation Method 3
causing the piston to move in a first linear direction
Data Source
AI summary
An example hydraulic tool includes: a fluid reservoir; a pump; an electric motor; a cylinder; a piston; a first trigger button; a second trigger button; and a controller configured to perform operations comprising: receiving a first signal when the first trigger button is triggered, responsively, causing the electric motor to rotate in a first rotational direction, thereby: (i) causing the pump to provide fluid to the cylinder, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a first linear direction, thereafter, receiving a second signal when the second trigger button is triggered, and responsively to the second signal, causing the electric motor to rotate in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, thereby: (i) opening a fluid path from the cylinder to the fluid reservoir, and (ii) causing the piston to move in a second linear direction opposite the first linear direction.