Tube Expansion Tool With Parallel Shafts for Compact PEX Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tube expansion tools for PEX tubing are bulky in the front-rear direction and require significant user workload due to repeated start-up operations for jaw opening motions.
Innovation Solution
The tube expansion tool is designed with the output shaft, motor shaft, and jaw rotation mechanism arranged in parallel and overlapping configurations, allowing for a compact design and reducing user workload through automated jaw opening and closing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the jaw rotation mechanism is disposed coaxially with the output shaft, then the structure is simpler, but the tube expansion tool becomes bulky in the front-rear direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a coaxial arrangement (one-dimensional alignment) to a parallel arrangement where the motor shaft, output shaft, and jaw rotation shaft are positioned side-by-side. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the mechanisms to overlap in the front-rear direction, reducing the overall length of the tool while maintaining functional simplicity
2Device complexity
If repeated start-up operations are required for jaw opening motions, then the device structure is simpler, but user workload increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated continuous operation where the motor shaft rotates continuously to drive both the output shaft for jaw opening and the jaw rotation shaft for positioning. This eliminates the need for repeated start-stop operations, allowing the expansion process to proceed continuously without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the motor shaft's rotation to automatically drive both the output shaft and jaw rotation shaft through gear mechanisms. The device performs multiple functions automatically without requiring user intervention for each jaw opening motion, reducing workload while maintaining structural simplicity
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 compact design facilitates easier installation in narrow spaces and reduces user effort by automating multiple jaw expansions with a single operation, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a power conversion mechanism configured to convert a rotary drive of an electric motor into back-and-forth movement of an output shaft
Implementation Method 2
A wedge at a front portion of the output shaft pushes a plurality of jaws to mutually open radially outward
Implementation Method 3
The end of the PEX tubing gradually reduces in diameter due to elastic deformation to return to its original diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A tube expansion tool for expanding an end of a synthetic resin fluid pipe has a motor shaft rotated by an electric motor, a feed screw mechanism for converting rotation of the motor shaft into front-and-rear movement of an output shaft, a wedge provided on a front portion of the output shaft for pushing a plurality of jaws. The plurality of jaws mutually opens radially outward. The tube expansion tool further has a jaw rotation mechanism and a shaft. The shaft rotates around an axis in conjunction with the rotation of the motor shaft. The shaft rotates the plurality of jaws around its axis. The output shaft, the motor shaft, and the shaft of the jaw rotation mechanism are arranged in parallel with each other and overlap in the front-rear direction.