Hydraulic Tool Ram Assembly with Pretensioned Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic crimp and cutting tools are heavy and cumbersome, making them difficult to handle and use for repetitive high-force applications, as they require a robust structure to sustain large loads, which hinders portability and operator comfort.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic tool design featuring a ram assembly with a pretensioned return spring, a compact cylinder and frame configuration, and a hydraulic fluid passage circuit that includes a pressure transducer and overpressure device, allowing for efficient energy storage and release, reducing tool weight and length while maintaining high force capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a robust structure is used to sustain large loads, then the tool can handle high force applications, but the tool weight increases making it difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where a relatively small hydraulic motor drives a pump that generates high hydraulic pressure. This hydraulic pressure is then transmitted through fluid passages to actuate a ram assembly, enabling the tool to generate and sustain very large forces (12 Ton applications) without requiring a proportionally large mechanical structure. The hydraulic fluid transmits force efficiently, allowing the tool main section to be lighter while still handling high loads.
2Strength
If a robust structure is used to sustain large loads, then the tool can handle high force applications, but the tool length increases reducing portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent features a compact configuration where the pump assembly is positioned within or adjacent to the tool main section, and the ram assembly operates within a compact stroke space. The hydraulic fluid passages are integrated into the tool structure rather than being external hoses. The return spring is positioned within the ram assembly housing, and the overall arrangement of components (motor, pump, fluid passages, ram) is optimized to minimize the tool's length while maintaining structural integrity for high force applications.
3Force
If traditional hydraulic components are used, then the tool can generate high force, but operator fatigue increases due to weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic system where a compact hydraulic motor (driven by a battery pack) powers a pump that generates high hydraulic pressure. This pressure is transmitted through integrated fluid passages to a ram assembly that delivers the crimping force. The hydraulic transmission allows a small input force from a lightweight motor to be amplified into very large output forces, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical linkages and reducing overall tool weight, thereby reducing operator fatigue during repetitive crimping operations.
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 design results in a lighter, more user-friendly hydraulic tool that can handle high forces like 12 Ton applications with improved weight distribution and reduced operator fatigue, enhancing portability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The ram assembly includes a pretensioned return spring
Implementation Method 2
A tool transmission end is operably coupled to the tool main section for hydraulically operating the tool working end
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic tool. The hydraulic tool includes a tool working end and a tool main section operably coupled to the tool working end. The tool main section comprising a ram assembly, the ram assembly includes a pretensioned return spring. A tool transmission end is operably coupled to the tool main section for hydraulically operating the tool working end.