Radial Press Jaw Head Marking for Correct Set Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Radial presses face challenges in accurately identifying and preventing the interchange of similar pressing jaw heads, leading to faulty pressings that can pose safety risks due to the close spacing and similarity of the jaw heads, which often results in undersized or oversized components being inadvertently used.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of specific markings on the pressing jaw heads, including aligned, different, or shaped markings on adjacent ends, which are visible and tactile, to ensure correct set identification and prevent incorrect assembly, with options for identical or varied markings based on set requirements and installation positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If press jaw heads are made closely spaced to achieve good pressing results, then pressing precision is improved, but the risk of accidental mixing up increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressing precisionVSAvoidrisk of accidental mixing up
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual markings (color-coded or patterned markings) on the press jaw heads to differentiate between various sizes. These markings allow operators to quickly identify the correct jaw head size, preventing accidental mixing up while maintaining the closely spaced configuration needed for pressing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary identification system (markings) between the press jaw heads and the operator. This intermediary system provides clear visual cues that mediate the recognition process, enabling operators to distinguish between similar-sized jaw heads without changing the physical spacing or configuration of the pressing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If press jaw heads are made similar in appearance to reduce complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but detection of incorrect assembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw head varietyVSAvoiddetection of incorrect assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual markings (color codes or patterns) on press jaw heads to provide distinctive identification without requiring fundamentally different jaw head designs. These markings add minimal complexity to the jaw heads themselves but dramatically improve the detectability of incorrect assembly by providing clear visual differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adds an identification dimension (visual markings) to the press jaw heads that does not interfere with their primary pressing function. This additional dimension of information allows operators to detect incorrect assembly by observing the markings, thereby solving the detection difficulty without complicating the core jaw head structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual press jaw heads can be removed and replaced, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of accidental exchange increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejaw head interchangeabilityVSAvoidrisk of accidental exchange
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements visual markings on press jaw heads that remain visible during replacement operations. These markings allow operators to verify the correct jaw head is being selected and installed, maintaining the benefits of interchangeable jaw heads while reducing the risk of accidental exchange through clear visual identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies markings to press jaw heads in advance, before the replacement operation occurs. This preliminary identification system is already in place when jaw heads need to be exchanged, allowing operators to verify correctness before installation, thereby maintaining adaptability while preventing accidental exchanges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3277447B1Radial press
Publication Date: 2021.10.20 UNIFLEX HYDRAULIC
  • EP3277447B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3277447B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a radial press with a base structure, a pressing tool accommodated therein and a drive unit, wherein the pressing tool comprises a number of base jaws which are arranged about a press axis (1) and can be moved by the drive unit towards or away from the press axis in a synchronous manner and radially in relation to said press axis, and wherein substantially wedge-shaped press jaw heads (2) can be exchangeably attached to the base jaws. A plurality of press jaw head sets is stored in an associated magazine, said press jaw head sets being adjusted to different press diameters The press jaw heads (2) have two markings (8) on at least one axial end side (7) directly adjacent to both wedge surfaces (6). In addition, the two respective opposing markings (8) of two neighbouring press jaw heads (2) are aligned with one another. Markings (8) that are different from one another are provided for different press jaw head sets.