Pipe Clamping Tool With Sliding Guide For Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tools for assembling clamp connections on plastic pipes require expansion of the pipe, which complicates the assembly process and necessitates multiple tools, whereas a simpler, compact tool is needed to assemble the connection without pipe expansion using a single tool.

Innovation Solution

A tool comprising a pipe clamping unit with jaws and a bearing block, and a sliding unit with a base, slide, and guide members, where the sliding unit is attached to a linear guide actuated by an electric or pneumatic drive, allowing the clamp connection to be assembled without pipe expansion by moving the guide unit to push the fitting body into the pipe end.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If pipe expansion is used to assemble clamp connections, then the pipe can be connected to the clamp, but the assembly process becomes more complex and requires multiple tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of tools required
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pipe clamping function and the connection assembly function into a single integrated tool. The tool includes a pipe clamping unit with jaws for holding the pipe and a sliding unit with a pushing element for inserting the connection into the pipe. This merging eliminates the need for separate expansion tools and simplifies the assembly process into one operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool is designed to perform multiple functions: clamping the pipe securely, positioning the clamp connection, and pushing the connection into the pipe end. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized tools, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining assembly effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single tool is used to assemble clamp connections without pipe expansion, then device complexity is reduced, but the tool must perform multiple functions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of tools requiredVSAvoidfunctional capability of tool
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into distinct functional units: a pipe clamping unit with jaws for securing the pipe, a sliding unit for movement along the pipe axis, and a pushing element for inserting the connection. Each segment performs a specific function, and their coordinated operation enables the tool to achieve multiple tasks without requiring complex integration that would compromise adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding unit is designed to move dynamically along the pipe axis, allowing the pushing element to transition from a retracted position to an extended position for inserting the connection. This dynamic capability enables the tool to adapt its functional state during operation, maintaining versatility while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3056315B1Tool
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 GEORG FISCHER JRG
  • EP3056315B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056315B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3056315B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A tool and an associated method for assembling a clamping connection for pipes, comprising a pipe clamping unit, wherein the pipe clamping unit has a bearing block and clamping jaws for clamping the pipe to be joined, a guide unit and a sliding unit for receiving the clamping connection for assembly with the pipe end, wherein the sliding unit has a base element, a sliding element and guide elements, wherein the sliding element is arranged to be slidable along the guide elements.