Press Device with Convex Jaws for Tubular Workpiece Crimping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing press tools for crimping tubular workpieces face significant wear due to high forces required for inelastic deformation, leading to tool damage and reduced usability over time, especially when dealing with larger diameters where the entire circumference cannot be encompassed by the press jaws.
Innovation Solution
A press device featuring a press ring with pivotable jaws and receiving sections, where the contact surfaces are designed with convex shapes and large radii of curvature to distribute forces evenly and prevent sharp edges, allowing for adjustable diameter crimping without full circumference engagement, and leveraging connecting members for leverage forces to reduce strain on the tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If press jaws encompass the whole circumference of the pipe to apply high crimping force, then the crimping force is sufficient for inelastic deformation, but the tool suffers significant wear and damage especially when dealing with larger diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The press tool is divided into multiple press jaws (typically three or more) that segment the circumferential crimping force. Each jaw applies force to a portion of the pipe circumference, distributing the total load and reducing wear on individual jaws while maintaining sufficient overall crimping force for inelastic deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The press jaws are designed with curved or arc-shaped contact surfaces that conform to the cylindrical geometry of the pipe. This curvature allows the jaws to encompass the pipe circumference effectively, distribute forces evenly across the contact area, and prevent stress concentration that would lead to tool wear and damage.
2Length of moving object
If the diameter of the outer pipe or connector is large, then the workpiece size increases, but it becomes impractical to encompass the whole circumference by press jaws
Solution Approach 1:
The press jaws are designed as pivotable or adjustable components that can dynamically adapt to different pipe diameters. This dynamic configuration allows the same press tool to effectively encompass the circumference of pipes with varying diameters, maintaining ease of operation across different workpiece sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The press tool is designed with universal press jaws that can accommodate a range of pipe diameters through adjustment mechanisms or interchangeable components. This multi-functionality allows a single press tool design to handle various workpiece sizes without requiring specialized tools for each diameter, improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the press ring diameter is adjusted to match the workpiece diameter, then arbitrary diameter crimping is enabled, but the press tool and press ring suffer from damages and abrasions
Solution Approach 1:
The press ring and press jaw contact surfaces are designed with specific local properties including hardened materials, optimized surface finishes, and strategically positioned reinforcement zones. These local quality enhancements concentrate wear resistance at the contact areas while maintaining the overall adaptability of the press ring diameter for different workpiece sizes.
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 solution extends the lifespan of press tools by evenly distributing high forces across larger contact areas, preventing damage and allowing for efficient crimping of tubular workpieces with varying diameters, while maintaining tool integrity and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the first contact surface and the second contact surface each comprise at least one convex surface, wherein a radius of curvature of the first and the second contact surface is larger than half a width, measured perpendicular to an axis of curvature, of the respective first and second contact surface
Data Source
AI summary
A press device comprising a press ring for pressing together tubular workpieces in between, and at least a first and a second pivotable jaw is described. The first jaw comprises a first engagement section and the second jaw comprises a second engagement section. The press ring comprises a first and a second receiving section for receiving the first and the second engagement section of the press jaws, respectively. A first and a second surface of the first and the second receiving section, respectively, contact the first and the second engagement section, respectively. Each comprise a planar surface. The first and the second contact surface oppose each other for applying a press force F. The first contact surface and the second contact surface each comprise at least one convex surface.