Open-Sided Socket Tightening Device for Confined Pipe Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tightening pipe connections using open-ended spanners require frequent disengagement due to limited space, making it difficult to rotate the connector nut by a full circle, and lack precise torque control.
Innovation Solution
A tightening device with an open-sided socket member rotated by a reciprocating member that pivots between two positions, allowing for unidirectional rotation and precise torque control via a torque wrench, without requiring the device to rotate relative to the connector body, and featuring a ratchet mechanism for efficient torque transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If open-ended spanners are used to tighten pipe connections, then the tightening operation can be performed, but frequent disengagement is required due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The tightening device is divided into distinct functional components: a frame member that remains stationary, a socket member that rotates, and a reciprocating member that transfers motion. This segmentation allows the socket to rotate independently without requiring the entire device to be disengaged, resolving the space limitation problem while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the entire spanner device around the connector body, the invention inverts the approach by keeping the frame stationary and rotating only the socket member through a reciprocating motion mechanism. This inversion eliminates the need for full-circle rotation and frequent disengagement, significantly reducing time loss
2Ease of operation
If open-ended spanners are used to rotate connector nut, then rotation can be achieved, but precise torque control cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
A torque wrench is introduced as an intermediary device connected to the reciprocating member. This intermediary component precisely controls and measures the torque applied to the connector nut, while the reciprocating mechanism translates this controlled torque into effective rotational force, achieving both ease of operation and precise torque control
3Productivity
If the tightening device rotates relative to the connector body, then the connector nut can be rotated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs dynamic motion conversion, where the reciprocating member oscillates back and forth to generate unidirectional rotation of the socket member. This dynamic mechanism achieves continuous rotation and high productivity without requiring the entire device to rotate, maintaining relatively simple device structure while eliminating the need for frequent disengagement
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
Enables continuous rotation of the connector nut without disengagement, even in confined spaces, and provides accurate torque control, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the pipe connection tightening process.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a ratchet mechanism for efficient torque transfer
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A tightening device for tightening a pipe connection, the tightening device comprising a frame (2), a reciprocating member (4) adapted to reciprocate between a first position and a second position relative to the frame (2) by pivoting about a first axis of rotation (101), a socket member (6) adapted for rotating a connector nut (52) of a pipe connection, the socket member (6) having an open side for enabling accessing a rotation axis of the socket member (6) from a radial direction, and a drive coupling between the reciprocating member (4) and the socket member (6). During use of the tightening device a reciprocating motion of the reciprocating member (4) between the first position and the second position provides unidirectional rotation of the socket member (6) in the first direction of rotation.