Pintle insertion tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manually inserting a pintle through interdigitated loops to close seams in papermaking textiles is time-consuming, inexact, and requires prolonged concentration, making it inefficient and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A pintle insertion tool with a drive assembly including a motorized system of rollers and a gear set, powered by a DC power source, which engages a pintle lead wire to drive it through the loops, allowing for efficient and precise seam closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual insertion method is used, then personnel can insert pintle through loops, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseam closure speedVSAvoidtime required for pintle insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical insertion process with an automated motorized system. A motor drives a roller that feeds the pintle lead wire through the interdigitated loops, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and significantly reducing insertion time while increasing productivity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The automated insertion tool performs the seam closure operation autonomously once positioned. The motorized roller automatically feeds the pintle through the loops without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the system to complete the task independently and reduce labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual insertion is used, then personnel can close seams, but alignment precision is difficult to achieve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepintle alignment accuracyVSAvoiddifficulty of manual alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual alignment operations with a motorized feeding mechanism that precisely controls the movement of the pintle lead wire. The roller system provides consistent, controlled advancement that ensures accurate alignment with the loops, eliminating the difficulty of manual positioning while achieving high manufacturing precision.

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

3Productivity

If manual insertion is used, then personnel can install pintles, but prolonged concentration is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseam closure efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of automated drive assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a motorized roller system to automate the pintle insertion process. While this adds mechanical complexity compared to manual insertion, it eliminates the need for prolonged human concentration and significantly improves productivity. The automated system maintains consistent performance without human fatigue or attention requirements.

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

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 significantly reduces the time and effort required to insert a pintle, ensuring accurate alignment and efficient seam closure, improving productivity in the papermaking industry.

Implementation Method 1

The drive assembly includes a controller connected to a power supply and configured to drive at least one motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the first and second rollers engaging the pintle lead wire to drive it through the interdigitated seam loops

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3759277B1Pintle insertion tool
Publication Date: 2023.01.25 ASTENJOHNSON INTERNATIONAL INC
  • EP3759277B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3759277B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3759277B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In one embodiment, a pintle insertion tool is disclosed. The pintle insertion tool includes a housing, and a drive assembly supported by the housing. The drive assembly includes a controller connected to a power supply and configured to drive at least one motor. The drive assembly includes a first roller and a second roller defining at least a portion of a channel therebetween. The at least one motor is configured to rotate the first roller and the second roller in both a forward direction and a reverse direction. The channel is adapted to receive a pintle lead wire such that the pintle lead wire is driven by the first roller and the second roller through interdigitated seam loops on opposing ends of a textile sheet so that a pintle can be pushed into position to complete a seam.