Press Tool Guide Element for Uniform Tubular Gap Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressing tools for connecting tubular workpieces often result in burr formations due to uneven gap closure between pressing jaws, leading to suboptimal connection quality and material deformation.

Innovation Solution

A pressing tool with articulated pressing elements, where the end pressing elements feature guide elements that force the pressing jaws to move towards each other in a controlled manner, ensuring consistent gap closure and minimizing burr formation through a defined movement path, independent of friction conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pressing jaws are held displaceably on pressing jaw carriers, then the pressing tool can be closed by a drive device acting only on end pressing elements, but gap closure becomes uneven due to varying friction conditions, leading to burr formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of closing pressing toolVSAvoiduniformity of gap closure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressing jaw and the workpiece. This guide element has a guide surface that directs the pressing jaw's movement path, ensuring uniform gap closure despite varying friction conditions. The guide element mediates the interaction between the displaceable pressing jaw and the workpiece, translating the closing motion into controlled, uniform gap reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element changes the movement parameter of the pressing jaw by providing a constrained path. Instead of allowing free displacement influenced by friction, the guide surface imposes a defined trajectory that ensures consistent angular movement and uniform gap closure across all pressing jaws during the closing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If pressing jaws are moved towards each other during pressing process, then connection is established, but material accumulation occurs in gap areas, creating burrs or folds that impair connection quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidsurface quality of press connection
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element performs a preliminary action by establishing a controlled movement path for the pressing jaws before the actual pressing occurs. During the closing phase, the guide surface ensures that gaps are closed uniformly and progressively, preventing material accumulation from occurring in the first place. This preliminary control of jaw movement eliminates the condition that would lead to burr formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element converts the potentially harmful effect of friction-induced uneven movement into a beneficial controlled motion. By providing a guide surface that works with the friction forces rather than against them, the system transforms variable friction conditions into consistent, predictable jaw movement that prevents material accumulation while maintaining strong connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

Significantly reduces burr formation and improves the roundness and quality of the press connection by ensuring consistent compression and gap closure, enhancing the reliability of tubular workpiece connections.

Implementation Method 1

at least one guide element (50) is provided, which is designed in such a way that the two pressing jaws (38) of the two end pressing elements (14) are initially moved towards one another during the pressing process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical constraint:

Implementation Method 2

The inside diameter of the press fitting is selected to be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the pipe ends to be connected, so that the inside of the press fitting is pressed against the outside of the pipe ends due to the radial compression and a firm, particularly tight connection is established due to the permanent deformation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadial compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

the individual pressing jaws are displaced in one or the other circumferential direction essentially because of the prevailing friction conditions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2272629B1Press tool and method for pressing in particular tubular workpieces
Publication Date: 2014.04.02 NOVOPRESS GMBH PRESSEN UND PRESSWERKZEUGE & CO KG
  • EP2272629B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2272629B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2272629B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The compression molding is provided with multiple hinged, catenarian press elements (10,12,14) connected with each other. The pressing tool is open for forming a closing position (60) between the two end-press elements. The end-press elements have a press-jaw carrier (30) and a press-jaw (38). The press jaw is held pivotable at press-jaw carrier. The press-jaws of both the end-press elements interact with a guiding element (50) in such a way that both the press-jaws of the both end-press elements are moved on each other initially in the press section. An independent claim is also included for a method for connecting tabular work pieces.