Pipe Connection System with Integrated Geometry Measurement and Marking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting hoses or pipes to plug connectors lack precise geometry measurement, leading to limited control over manufacturing tolerances and inconsistent connections.
Innovation Solution
A production system that includes a measuring device to assess the geometry of the line, a marking device for identifying lines within tolerance limits, and a pressing machine with detection means to ensure only accurately measured lines are connected, utilizing optical and paint-based marking systems for efficient and automated processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a measuring device with marking device is integrated into the production system, then manufacturing precision and quality control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measuring device and marking device into an integrated production system. The measuring device measures the geometry of the line ( hose/pipe) and the marking device applies a marking based on measurement results, creating a unified quality control system that improves manufacturing precision while managing complexity through integration
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device performs geometry measurement before the crimping process, and the marking device applies markings in advance to identify measured lines. This preliminary measurement and marking allows the pressing machine to select only appropriately measured lines for crimping, ensuring manufacturing precision before the actual connection process
2Reliability
If geometry measurement and marking are performed before crimping, then connection quality is improved, but production time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device, marking device, and pressing machine operate in a continuous automated sequence. The measuring device continuously measures line geometry, the marking device continuously applies markings to measured lines, and the pressing machine continuously selects and crimps marked lines, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement and inspection processes with automated optical or laser measuring devices and automated marking systems. This substitution of mechanical/manual operations with automated systems reduces production time while maintaining or improving connection quality
3Manufacturing precision
If only measured lines within tolerance are crimped, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to rejected lines
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device performs geometry measurement and the marking device applies markings to identify lines within tolerance limits before the crimping process. This preliminary sorting ensures that only appropriately measured lines are crimped, improving manufacturing precision while allowing rejected lines to be identified early and removed from the production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The marking device serves as an intermediary between measurement and crimping processes. It applies visual markings to lines based on measurement results, creating a clear identification system that allows the pressing machine to quickly select appropriate lines without complex real-time decision-making, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring precision
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
Ensures high-quality connections by ensuring only lines within specified tolerances are pressed, improving the sealing effect and reducing scrap rates through precise measurement and marking technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the marking device to include at least one paint nozzle for applying a colorant to an outer surface of the pipe
Implementation Method 2
the detection means of the press machine is designed as an optical detection means, in particular as a camera system
Implementation Method 3
it is possible to arrange a light source on the crimping machine that emits ultraviolet light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a manufacturing system (61) for connecting a line (3) for liquid or gaseous media to a connector (4). The manufacturing system (61) comprises: - a measuring device (41) for measuring the geometry of the line (3) to be connected, wherein a marking device (54) for marking the measured line (3) is formed on the measuring device (41); - a crimping machine (31) for crimping the connector (4) to the measured line (3), wherein a detection means (62) for detecting a marking applied to the line (3) is formed on the crimping machine (31).