Press Tool Segmented Guide for Fitting Alignment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressing tools for fittings with a pressing lug lack accurate positioning, leading to unreliable pressing due to insufficient alignment between the tool and the fitting, resulting in faulty pressings.

Innovation Solution

A pressing tool with two movable tool halves, each equipped with a pressing part and a guiding part, where the guiding parts can move separately to ensure precise positioning before the final phase of the closing movement, creating a form fit with the fitting to ensure correct alignment and prevent residual play, allowing the pressing parts to move further and securely engage the pressing lug.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the pressing tool uses a simple wedge-shaped tip design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates leading to faulty pressings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool structureVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The tool tip is segmented into two distinct functional parts: a guiding part with a first wedge-shaped surface for positioning, and a pressing part with a second wedge-shaped surface for deformation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, achieving both positioning accuracy and pressing effectiveness without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the tool tip are given different geometric properties: the guiding part has a first wedge-shaped surface configuration optimized for alignment, while the pressing part has a second wedge-shaped surface configuration optimized for material deformation. This local differentiation ensures that positioning and pressing functions are performed with appropriate local characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the pressing tool applies force early in the closing movement, then the pressing action is initiated sooner, but the positioning accuracy deteriorates due to lack of form fit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing speedVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding part with the first wedge-shaped surface performs a preliminary action by establishing form fit and correct alignment between the pressing tool and the pressing lug before the pressing part engages. This preliminary positioning action ensures that when the pressing force is applied, the tool is already correctly positioned, eliminating the need to trade off speed for accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tool design allows for a dynamic sequence of operations during the closing movement: first the guiding part engages to establish positioning, then the pressing part follows to apply force. This dynamic sequencing enables the tool to adapt its function at different stages of the closing movement, achieving both speed and accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 ensures accurate and reliable pressing by providing a designated guiding function that enhances positioning accuracy, reducing the likelihood of faulty pressings and improving the overall reliability of the pressing process.

Implementation Method 1

two closable towards one another with one movement and away from one another with one movement openable tool halves (14, 14'), each with a pressing part (15, 15') serving to press the pressing tab (2) during the closing movement

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a fitting part is plastically deformed with a special tool; it is usually a sheet metal part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasticity: Plasticity

Implementation Method 3

a geometric guidance of the pressing tool during the closing movement, in order to support the operator with regard to correct positioning of the pressing tool relative to the fitting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGeometry: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3090834B1Press tool for a fitting with press tab
Publication Date: 2018.07.11 GEBERIT INT AG
  • EP3090834B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b
  • EP3090834B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~7b
  • EP3090834B1 patent drawingFigure 8a~8b

AI summary

The invention relates to a press tool adapted to a press fitting with a cylindrical part and a projecting press tab, in which two tool halves each have a press part and a guide part and the press part can move beyond the guide part in a final phase of a closing movement of the press tool.