Pivoting Coupler Removal Tool for Irrigation Tubing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for removing couplers from irrigation tubing often result in damage to the coupling or tubing, bodily injury, or a combination of both, due to the need for strong physical force and lack of ergonomic solutions for users with limited strength or dexterity.

Innovation Solution

A hand-held apparatus with pivotally attached elongated members featuring a cradle member for engaging the coupler and a clamp member for engaging the tubing, allowing for easy separation of the coupler from the tubing through handle operation, reducing the need for manual strength and minimizing risk of injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual pulling force is applied to remove the coupler from tubing, then the coupler can be separated from the tubing, but damage to the coupler or tubing and bodily injury may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of coupler removalVSAvoiddamage to coupler or tubing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus introduces an intermediary tool with a cradle member and clamp member that mediates the separation process between the coupler and tubing. The cradle member engages the coupler while the clamp member engages the tubing, allowing controlled separation without direct manual pulling that could cause damage or injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus segments the coupling system into three distinct engagement points: the cradle member engaging the coupler body, the clamp member engaging the tubing, and the pivot point separating the two members. This segmentation allows independent control of each engagement point during the removal process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If strong physical force is applied to remove the coupler, then the coupler can be separated from the tubing, but bodily injury may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of coupler removalVSAvoidbodily injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus employs dynamic elements including a pivotally connected mechanism that allows rotational movement during the separation process. The cradle member and clamp member can move relative to each other around the pivot point, enabling controlled force application that adapts to the resistance encountered during coupler removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus acts as an intermediary that transforms the user's input force into controlled separation motion. Rather than requiring the user to directly apply strong pulling force that could cause injury, the user operates the apparatus which then mediates the force application through its mechanical advantage and controlled release mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the coupler design provides easy insertion, then installation is simplified, but removal requires strong force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddifficulty of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus inverts the approach by applying force to separate the components rather than trying to pull them apart directly. Instead of pulling the coupler and tubing in opposite directions, the apparatus uses the cradle member and clamp member to apply separating forces through a pivoting action that exploits the tapered geometry in reverse.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus introduces an intermediary mechanism that facilitates removal without requiring the user to directly overcome the insertion taper. The cradle member and clamp member act as intermediaries that translate user input into the necessary separating forces while controlling the release process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus enables safe and efficient removal of couplers from tubing without causing damage, reducing the risk of bodily injury and allowing for easy reconfiguration of irrigation systems, even for users with limited physical ability.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentUS9527195B1Apparatus for removing a coupler from tubing

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 DEANE THOMAS C

AI summary

An apparatus for removing a coupler from tubing includes a pair of pivotally coupled elongated members. Proximal sections of the elongated members serve as handles, while other sections of the elongated members comprise structures for engaging the coupler and the tubing. The apparatus may be used, for example, to remove a coupler from flexible irrigation tubing.