Joint-removing Tool with Segmented Control and Clamp Units
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tools for removing joints from vehicle tubes, particularly in confined engine compartments, are difficult to maneuver due to their design, making it challenging to effectively disconnect tubes using sharp-nose pliers.
Innovation Solution
A joint-removing tool with a control unit, clamp unit, and connector unit, featuring angled jaws and a spring mechanism, allows for controlled pivoting and clamping of locking strips, enabling efficient disconnection of tubes without the need for sharp-nose pliers, with the control unit being easily maneuverable outside the engine compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sharp-nose pliers are used to pivot locking strips for disconnection, then the joint can be disconnected, but the tool is difficult to maneuver in the confined engine compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into distinct functional segments: a control unit with handles for external operation, a connector unit with wire and sheath for transmitting motion, and a clamp unit with jaws for engaging the locking strips. This segmentation allows the control unit to remain outside the confined space while the clamp unit operates within it, resolving the maneuverability issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire and sheath act as intermediaries to transmit the pivoting motion from the control unit's handles to the clamp unit's jaws. This intermediary mechanism enables the operator to apply force externally while the actual disconnection action occurs internally within the joint, overcoming the space constraint.
2Ease of operation
If a simple clamp design is used, then the device is easier to maneuver, but it lacks the control precision needed to effectively pivot locking strips
Solution Approach 1:
The jaws are designed to pivot dynamically relative to each other within the clamp unit, enabled by the wire-sheath connector mechanism. This dynamic design allows the jaws to adjust their position and apply precise pivoting force to the locking strips, achieving the necessary control precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded mechanism within the clamp unit provides automatic positioning and maintaining of the jaws on the locking strips. Once engaged, the mechanism self-regulates to apply appropriate force for pivoting, reducing the need for complex external control systems while maintaining precision.
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 tool effectively disassembles joints by aligning and pivoting the jaws to engage and release locking strips, allowing for easy removal of tubes, even in tight spaces, improving operational efficiency and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism, allows for controlled pivoting and clamping of locking strips
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A joint-removing tool includes a control unit, a clamp unit and a connector unit. The control unit includes two pivotally connected levers each including a handle and a pivoting section. The handle and the pivoting section of the first lever are located between that of the second lever. The clamp unit includes a shell and two jaws. Each of the jaws includes a first section movably inserted in the shell, a second section in contact with the shell, and a third section located out of the shell. The connector unit includes a wire extending throughout a sheath. The wire includes an end connected to the pivoting section of the first lever and another end connected to the first sections of the jaws. The sheath includes an end connected to the pivoting section of the second lever and another end connected to the shell.