Lead Screw Compression Tool for Cartridge-Free Connector Crimping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tools for applying compression to electrical connectors and splices in power distribution networks are not universally applicable, leading to high maintenance costs, complex operations, and safety risks, particularly due to the use of explosive cartridges.

Innovation Solution

A compression tool designed to be coupled with a battery-powered impact wrench, featuring a simple and robust structure with a lead screw and support tip, eliminating the need for explosive cartridges and providing universal adaptability to various connectors and splices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If explosive cartridges are used to apply wedge-type connectors, then the connector application force is sufficient, but the safety of technicians deteriorates and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector application forceVSAvoidtechnician safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the explosive cartridge component from the system entirely. Instead of using explosive force to apply connectors, the invention employs a mechanical impact wrench that delivers controlled impact forces through a lead screw mechanism, eliminating the safety hazards associated with explosive materials while maintaining sufficient application force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical-explosive mechanical system with a purely mechanical impact-driven system. The impact wrench uses kinetic energy from battery-powered motor to deliver controlled impacts through a lead screw, substituting the chemical energy conversion of explosives with mechanical energy conversion, thereby improving safety while maintaining force application capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If brand-specific tools are used for each connector model, then the precision of connector application is maintained, but the device complexity and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector application precisionVSAvoidtool variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal impact-driven compression tool that can accommodate multiple connector types and sizes through a standardized interface system. The tool features interchangeable adapters or adjustable compression chambers that allow a single base tool to perform multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate brand-specific tools for different connector models while maintaining application precision through controlled impact mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Force

If hydraulic tools and screwdrivers are used for connector application, then the compression force is controlled, but the productivity and operational speed deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompression force controlVSAvoidconnector application speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic impact action through the impact wrench mechanism, delivering a series of controlled blows to rapidly advance the connector into the compression position. This periodic impact action combines the speed of impact driving with the controlled compression force, achieving both high productivity and precise force control that neither hydraulic tools nor manual screwdrivers can match.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Adaptability or versatility

If color-coded polymeric or metal cartridges are used for different connector models, then the adaptability to various connectors is improved, but the loss of substance and maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector model adaptabilityVSAvoidcartridge consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs durable, reusable compression tool components that maintain their functional properties over extended use. The impact-driven mechanism and compression chambers are designed to withstand repeated use without degradation, eliminating the need for disposable cartridges. The tool serves itself by maintaining consistent compression capability through robust mechanical design, reducing consumable waste while preserving adaptability to various connector types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 achieves efficient, safe, and precise compression applications with reduced costs and enhanced safety, offering high durability and versatility, while eliminating the need for cartridges and reducing ergonomic strain.

Implementation Method 1

containing a lead screw (2) with an external thread, symmetrically arranged along the entire length of the compression tool (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

compression tool couplable to a battery-powered impact wrench

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240217078A1Compression tool couplable to a battery-powered impact wrench
Publication Date: 2024.07.04 RESTART IND COMERCIO IMPORTACAO EXPORTACAO DE EQUIP E ACESSORIOS ELETRICOS LTDA
  • US20240217078A1 patent drawing
  • US20240217078A1 patent drawing
  • US20240217078A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present patent relates to a compression tool (1) comprising a lead screw (2); a support tip (4); a rear engagement (5), such as an engagement tip in a battery-powered impact wrench (B); and an applicator body (A) comprising a rear block (6A) arranged perpendicularly to and symmetrically centered on the rear end of said applicator body (A) and having a threaded hole (7) for passage/fastening of the lead screw (2), and a front block (6B) arranged perpendicularly to and symmetrically centered on the front end of said applicator body (A); wherein the lead screw (2) is fitted into the applicator body (A) by screwing through the threaded hole (7) of the rear block (6A) of said applicator body (A).