Hydraulic Power Tool with Interchangeable Heads and Auto-Force Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic power tools are often specialized for specific tasks, requiring multiple tools to perform different operations, which can be expensive and inconvenient, especially in situations where multiple forces are needed for various conductor sizes and materials.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hand-held hydraulic power tool with a tool frame that can be connected with interchangeable heads, allowing the tool to automatically detect the head configuration and adjust the force applied based on the head type, die type, connector type, and conductor metal, thereby performing various tasks with a single tool frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple specialized hydraulic power tools are used to perform different tasks with different force requirements, then the appropriate force can be applied for each specific task, but the equipment becomes expensive, heavy, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single hydraulic power tool with an interchangeable head system that can perform multiple tasks (crimping, cutting, stripping) with different force requirements. The controller automatically detects the attached head type and adjusts the hydraulic force accordingly, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and reducing overall equipment weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the hydraulic force output based on the detected head configuration. The controller modifies operational parameters in real-time according to the specific task requirements, allowing one tool to adapt to different force needs rather than requiring fixed-force specialized tools.
2Force
If multiple specialized hydraulic power tools are used to perform different tasks, then each task can be performed with the correct force, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single tool platform with interchangeable heads consolidates multiple specialized tools into one system. The automatic head detection and force adjustment features manage the complexity internally, presenting a simple user interface while maintaining precise force control for different tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic head detection that provides feedback to the controller about the attached head type. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to automatically select the appropriate force parameters, eliminating the need for manual configuration and simplifying the user experience despite the underlying complexity.
3Device complexity
If a single hydraulic power tool is designed to provide fixed force for a particular task, then the tool structure can be simplified, but the tool cannot perform different tasks requiring different forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tool platform that maintains relatively simple structure through modular interchangeable heads. The core hydraulic system remains standardized while the detachable heads provide task-specific functionality, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is segmented into a standardized base unit and interchangeable task-specific heads. This segmentation allows the main body to remain simple while the detachable heads provide the necessary adaptability for different tasks. The modular design isolates complexity to the head components rather than the entire tool.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized tools are carried to a jobsite to handle different conductor sizes and materials, then all task requirements can be met, but the equipment bulk and inconvenience increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interchangeable head system provides a comprehensive range of capabilities (crimping, cutting, stripping for various conductor types) within a single tool platform. This consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate tools into one compact unit, significantly reducing the volume and portability burden at the jobsite.
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 reduces the need for multiple specialized tools, decreases equipment weight and bulk, and allows for efficient task performance across different conductor sizes and materials, enhancing operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Some portable tools incorporate a hydraulic pump to drive a piston to apply a relatively large amount of force or pressure for a particular task
Data Source
AI summary
Portable, hand held, battery operated, hydraulic tools are provided with a tool frame and one or more interchangeable working heads. When the working head is connected with the tool frame, a piston actuated by a hydraulic system within the tool frame applies force to the working head to perform a task. The tool includes a sensor for detecting the type of head connected with the tool and a mechanism for adjusting the amount of force applied to the head by the hydraulic system based on the detected head type.