Modular Hydraulic Power Unit for Multi-Head Hand Tools
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hand-held hydraulic tools have different drive systems for various handle assemblies, leading to increased manufacturing costs and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A portable, hand-held hydraulic power tool with a modular power unit that includes a motor, transmission assembly, and pump assembly, allowing for compatibility with different tool handle assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different drive systems are used for different handle assemblies, then each handle assembly can be optimized for its specific function, but manufacturing costs increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single modular power unit that can be used with multiple types of handle assemblies. The power unit includes a motor, transmission assembly, and pump assembly that can serve different tool functions (crimping, cutting, etc.) when combined with various handle assemblies, eliminating the need for separate drive systems for each handle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the hydraulic tool into distinct modular components: a power unit module containing the motor, transmission, and pump, and separate handle assembly modules. This segmentation allows the power unit to be standardized while handle assemblies can be varied for different applications, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing costs.
2Reliability
If multiple drive systems are manufactured for different handle assemblies, then specific performance requirements can be met, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular power unit serves multiple functions across different handle assemblies, allowing a single design to be manufactured and reused. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need to produce separate drive systems for each handle assembly type while maintaining reliable performance through standardized component design.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the power unit to be separated and reused with different handle assemblies. When a handle assembly needs replacement or upgrade, the power unit can be recovered and attached to a new handle assembly, reducing the need to manufacture entirely new drive systems and lowering overall manufacturing costs.
3Productivity
If a single modular power unit is used for different handle assemblies, then manufacturing costs are reduced and efficiency is enhanced, but the system must accommodate varying operational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a standardized power unit module and various handle assembly modules. This segmentation enables mass production of the power unit at lower costs while allowing customization through different handle assemblies that can be attached as needed, thus accommodating varying operational requirements without sacrificing manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular system allows dynamic reconfiguration where the same power unit can be attached to different handle assemblies based on operational requirements. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to meet varying task requirements (crimping, cutting, etc.) while maintaining the manufacturing efficiency benefits of a standardized power unit design.
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 modular design reduces manufacturing costs and enhances efficiency by allowing the same power unit to be used with various handle assemblies, while maintaining the ability to generate significant forces for tasks like crimping and cutting.
Implementation Method 1
The modular power unit includes a motor, e.g., a brushless motor
Implementation Method 2
The transmission assembly is in series with and is operatively coupled to the motor. The pump assembly is in series with and is operatively coupled to the transmission assembly
Implementation Method 3
The pump assembly may include a unitary pump that has a low pressure pump and a high pressure pump
Implementation Method 4
The piston assembly is rotatably coupled to the pump assembly such that the piston assembly is in fluid communication with an output conduit of the pump assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Portable, hand-held hydraulic tools having a modular power unit within a handle assembly and a working head assembly mated to the handle assembly. The working head assembly can have a pair of movable jaws or a movable jaw and a fixed jaw. The jaws can be configured to perform different operating operations, such as crimping operations and cutting operations.