Hydropneumatic Rivet Squeezer for Lighter Quieter Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydraulic power tools are cumbersome, noisy, and require extensive cabling, making them difficult to maneuver and increasing workplace noise levels due to their heavy weight and reliance on external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A portable hydraulic power tool design featuring a battery-powered hydraulic pump and air tank, which generates both hydraulic and pneumatic pressure locally, reducing the need for cables and hoses, and utilizing air pressure to return the rivet squeezer to the open position, thereby minimizing weight and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional hydraulic power tools are designed to provide high hydraulic pressure, then they can achieve high power riveting capabilities, but they become heavy and difficult to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into two separate actuation systems: a hydraulic system for the forward riveting stroke and a pneumatic system for the return stroke. This segmentation allows each system to be optimized independently, reducing the overall weight while maintaining high riveting power through the hydraulic system alone during the critical compressing phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hybrid hydropneumatic system where hydraulic pressure provides the high force needed for riveting while pneumatic pressure provides the return force. This combination allows the tool to achieve high power during riveting without requiring a heavy-duty dual-hydraulic return system, thereby reducing weight
2Power
If traditional hydraulic power tools are designed to provide high hydraulic pressure, then they can achieve high power riveting capabilities, but they generate excessive noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional noisy hydraulic return mechanism with a pneumatic return system. The pneumatic system operates more quietly while still providing sufficient force to reset the rivet squeezer. The hydraulic system is used only during the brief high-power riveting moment, minimizing the duration of noise generation
3Power
If traditional hydraulic power tools are designed to provide high hydraulic pressure, then they can achieve high power riveting capabilities, but they require heavy cabling and hoses connected to external power sources
Solution Approach 1:
The tool carries its own air tank and pneumatic system, allowing it to self-generate the pneumatic pressure needed for the return stroke without requiring external pneumatic infrastructure. This self-service capability eliminates the need for heavy hoses and external power connections, improving portability while maintaining high-power riveting capability through the integrated hydraulic system
Solution Approach 2:
The tool is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both hydraulic and pneumatic systems in a single portable unit. This universal design allows the tool to perform both the high-power riveting function (hydraulic) and the return stroke function (pneumatic) without requiring separate external systems, thereby reducing cabling complexity
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 solution results in a lighter, quieter, and more maneuverable power tool that can operate independently of external power sources, significantly reducing noise levels and cable clutter while maintaining high-pressure riveting capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic pump configured to provide hydraulic pressure to actuate the hydraulic cylinder
Implementation Method 2
an air tank configured to provide pneumatic pressure to actuate the hydraulic cylinder in a second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic power tool is provided including a rivet squeezer comprising two opposing surfaces, a hydraulic cylinder configured to move the surfaces between an open position and a compressed position, a hydraulic pump configured to provide hydraulic pressure to actuate the hydraulic cylinder in a first direction, and an air tank configured to provide pneumatic pressure to actuate the hydraulic cylinder in a second direction. Actuation of the hydraulic cylinder in the first direction causes the surfaces to move from the open position to the compressed position and actuation of the hydraulic cylinder in the second direction causes the surfaces to move from the compressed position to the open position.