Offset Pulling Head Modular Adapters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pulling head systems are limited in their ability to accommodate a wide range of fastener sizes and types, requiring specific designs for each fastener, which leads to high manufacturing costs, reliability issues, and limited access in hard-to-reach areas due to their size and design constraints.
Innovation Solution
A pulling head system with a set of interchangeable nosepieces and serrated jaws designed to grip a wide range of fastener sizes, featuring a long stroke that adapts to different power tools, allowing for flexible use with various fasteners and power tool configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight pulling head design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but it cannot access hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling head is divided into modular components: a universal body and interchangeable offset adapters with different offset distances. This segmentation allows the basic structure to remain simple for easy manufacturing, while the modular adapters provide versatility for accessing different hard-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The offset adapters are designed to be attached to the universal pulling head body, creating a nested configuration where the adapter extends from the body. This allows the simple universal body to gain extended functionality without redesigning the entire structure, enabling access to obstructed areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specific pulling head designs are created for each fastener size, then fastener compatibility is improved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal pulling head body is designed with a standardized interface that can accommodate multiple types of fasteners and adapters. Instead of creating unique designs for each fastener size, the same body serves multiple functions by accepting different offset adapters and jaw configurations, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling head system incorporates interchangeable components that can be dynamically swapped based on the specific fastener requirements. The jaw assembly and offset adapters can be changed without modifying the main body, allowing the system to adapt to different fastener sizes and types while maintaining a single standardized manufacturing process for the universal body.
3Manufacturing precision
If the entire jaw surface is angled, then the jaws self-center on the fastener stem, but machining complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of angling the entire jaw surface, only the critical contact area where the jaw engages the fastener stem is angled. The rest of the jaw surface remains flat or minimally processed. This localized angling provides sufficient self-centering accuracy for proper fastener engagement while dramatically reducing machining complexity and cost compared to angling the entire surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A pulling head that can be used with a wide range of fasteners and power tools having different stroke lengths and/or power ratings. The pulling head has a set of internal jaws which has serrations that are configured to grip a wide range of fastener types and sizes. The effective stroke of the pulling head is determined by the power tool to which it is engaged, rather than by the structure and design of the pulling head. The pulling head preferably has two jaws and a jaw follower with a leading surface which provides two beveled surfaces. As a result, the trailing surface of the jaws need not be conical, thereby providing that the jaws need not be machined after they are cast, thereby providing a very low cost manufacturing solution.