Pre-molded Seal Cap Installation Tool with Rotating Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual method of applying pre-molded seal caps to fasteners is inefficient, leading to sealant material being left behind or squeezed out, and smaller caps are difficult to manipulate, causing glove contamination and improper application due to the need for manual handling.
Innovation Solution
A tool with a rotating mechanism and disposable cap holding fixture that grips and rotates pre-molded seal caps, using a plunger and rifled shaft to apply and secure the caps on fasteners, reducing manual contact and ensuring complete sealant coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual handling method is used to apply pre-molded seal caps, then the process is simple, but the application efficiency is low and sealant material is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The tool enables self-service application where the plunger automatically pushes the seal cap through the nozzle and the rotating mechanism automatically rotates the cap on the fastener, eliminating the need for manual manipulation while maintaining a relatively simple tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The tool acts as an intermediary device between the seal cap container and the fastener, using the plunger as a mediator to push the cap and the rotating mechanism as a mediator to rotate it, thereby improving application efficiency without requiring complex manual operations
2Ease of operation
If manual handling of smaller seal caps is used, then no special tool is needed, but glove contamination occurs and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tool serves as an intermediary that grips and manipulates the small seal caps, preventing direct contact between the operator's gloves and the sealant material, thereby eliminating glove contamination while making handling of small caps easy
Solution Approach 2:
The tool performs the handling operations automatically through its gripping mechanism and rotating mechanism, making the process self-serving and eliminating the need for manual manipulation that causes glove contamination
3Manufacturing precision
If manual application method is used, then the tool structure is simple, but sealant material is left behind or squeezed out
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger automatically pushes the seal cap through the nozzle with controlled force, and the rotating mechanism automatically rotates the cap to ensure complete coverage, eliminating manual manipulation errors that cause sealant waste while maintaining simple tool structure
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical manipulation is replaced with a controlled mechanical system consisting of the plunger and rotating mechanism, which provides precise and consistent application of sealant coverage without the variability of manual operation
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 tool effectively applies pre-molded seal caps with reduced sealant waste, minimizes glove contamination, and facilitates easier handling of various cap sizes by automating the rotation process, ensuring thorough coverage and prolonged tool and glove life.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger includes an elongate shaft arranged in the first aperture. The elongate shaft includes at least one rifling channel on an outer surface. The first aperture of the body includes a tab extending toward the elongate shaft and engaging the rifling channel such that movement of the plunger between the first and second positions causes the body to rotate about the handle and the plunger
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus also includes a spring arranged to bias the plunger in the first position
Implementation Method 3
The apparatus also includes a bearing arranged between the handle and the body to enable the body and Holding fixture to rotate about the handle and the plunger
Implementation Method 4
The distal end of the cap holding fixture includes a socket adapted to grip a pre-molded seal cap
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and method for applying pre-molded seal caps to fasteners. The apparatus includes an installation tool and a disposable cap holding fixture. The installation tool includes a body and a handle. A plunger can pass through the body and handle. A disposable cap holding fixture can be connected to an end of the body of the installation tool. The disposable cap holding fixture can grip a surface of a pre-molded seal cap. The pre-molded seal cap can then be placed on a fastener and the disposable cap holding fixture can be rotated to rotate the cap to cover the fastener with uncured sealant in the cap. The body and handle can be rotated by an operator or the body can rotate about the handle and actuation of the plunger can cause the body and the cap holding fixture to rotate. The plunger can then dislodge the cap from the fixture.