Plug Connector Pressing Force Monitoring for Break Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting pipes to plug connectors do not effectively detect potential breaks during the pressing process, making it difficult to identify faulty connectors and ensuring proper installation.
Innovation Solution
A method where the pressing force increase per unit of path length is calculated and compared to a minimum required value, allowing for the identification of faulty connectors, with optional acoustic or visual signals for operator notification and potential automated removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressing force monitoring is implemented to detect breaks during the pressing process, then the reliability of connector installation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the pressing force during the connection process and comparing it against predetermined thresholds. When the pressing force exceeds the threshold, the system automatically stops the pressing operation and signals a potential break condition, enabling real-time detection and prevention of faulty connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical break detection mechanisms with an electronic sensing system that measures pressing force. This substitution uses electronic sensors and control circuits to detect breaks, simplifying the mechanical structure while improving detection reliability through electronic monitoring and automated decision-making.
2Measurement precision
If the pressing force threshold is set to detect all potential breaks, then the manufacturing precision of detection is improved, but the productivity decreases due to increased false rejections of valid connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pressing force threshold parameter based on empirical data and statistical analysis of normal pressing variations. By setting the threshold at an optimal level that accounts for normal force fluctuations while remaining sensitive to actual breaks, the system achieves high detection precision without excessive false rejections, maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a pressing force that slightly exceeds the minimum required for proper connection, allowing the monitoring system to distinguish between normal force variations and actual breaks. This excessive action provides a clearer detection signal while still achieving adequate connection quality.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring of pressing force throughout the entire pressing process is implemented, then the reliability of break detection is improved, but the use of energy increases due to continuous sensor operation and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic sampling of the pressing force at critical stages of the pressing process rather than continuous monitoring. The system measures force at key points such as the start of pressing, during the deformation phase, and at completion, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable break detection through strategic measurement timing.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for connecting a pipe (3) for liquid or gaseous media with a plug connector (4), wherein a first casing section (12) of the plug connector (4) is deformed by means of a pressing tool in such a way that a pipe (3) positioned between the first casing section (12) and a second casing section (15) of the plug connector (4) is clamped. During the pressing process, the pressing force applied to the pressing tool is detected and a pressing force increase per unit of path length is calculated from the travel of the pressing tool and the pressing force. The detected pressing force increase per unit of path length is compared to a minimum required pressing force increase per unit of path length, and in the event, that the determined minimum required pressing force increase per unit of path length is not met, the plug connector (4) is identified as faulty.