Remote Operating Tool Modular Work Unit Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional remote operating tools face difficulties in replacing work units in narrow spaces, such as engine chambers, due to the limitations of needle-nose pliers and hand clamp tools, which are often unable to reach or detach components securely.
Innovation Solution
A remote operating tool with a control unit, connection assembly, and work unit, featuring a cable and accommodation sleeve, where the control unit includes a plier part, fixing shaft, and a defining member to facilitate easy detachment and reconnection without breaking the connection assembly, allowing for secure and efficient replacement of work units in confined areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If needle-nose pliers or hand clamp tools are used to expand and move the retainer, then the retainer can be removed from or fitted to the pipe joint, but the tools cannot reach narrow spaces such as engine chambers
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into separate functional modules: a control unit that can be manipulated externally and a work unit with the retainer that operates internally in narrow spaces. The connection assembly transmits force from the control unit to the work unit, allowing the operator to control the retainer expansion and movement from outside the narrow space while the work unit remains positioned within the engine chamber or other confined area.
2Ease of operation
If conventional remote operating tools use a cable and accommodation sleeve, then the control unit can be connected, but the work units cannot be easily replaced without breaking the connection assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is designed as a separate, reusable component that remains attached to the control unit while the work unit can be detached and replaced. This segmentation allows the expensive or complex control unit and its connection assembly to be preserved, while only the simpler work unit needs to be replaced for different maintenance tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection assembly is designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple different work units. The standardized interface allows various work units (such as different retainer tools, cleaners, or inspection devices) to be attached to the same control unit and connection assembly, making the system versatile for different maintenance operations without requiring separate tools for each task.
3Device complexity
If the control unit is permanently connected to the connection assembly, then the structure is simple, but replacing work units for different maintenance operations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool system is segmented into a permanent control unit with connection assembly and replaceable work units. The connection assembly includes features such as release mechanisms or detachable couplings that allow the work unit to be quickly exchanged while keeping the control unit intact. This segmentation provides a simple yet flexible structure where complexity is minimized in the permanent components while maximizing adaptability through modular work units.
Data Source
AI summary
A remote operating tool capable of replacing work units contains: a control unit, a connection assembly, and a work unit. The control unit includes a first plier part, a second plier part, and a fixing shaft. The first plier part has a first grip portion and a limitation extension, the second plier part has a second grip portion and an accommodation extension, and the accommodation extension has an aperture. The connection assembly includes a cable and an accommodation sleeve, the cable has a knob, and the accommodation sleeve has a fitting member, wherein the fitting member has a large-diameter section and a small-diameter section. The limitation extension has a first cutout, and the accommodation extension has a second cutout. The control unit further includes a stopper, wherein the defining member is a shell and includes a first chamber.