Self-adjusting Crimping Tool Ellipsoidal Die Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Crimping tools are not adapted to handle non-polygonal shapes, such as oval shapes, and typically require multiple positions for different sizes, limiting their versatility in crimping connectors of varying sizes and shapes.

Innovation Solution

A self-adjusting crimping tool with first and second dies featuring circular segment surfaces that form a substantially ellipsoidal shape, allowing for movement without rotation, enabling crimping of items into a consistent ellipsoidal shape regardless of size, with the first die pivotally arranged on two equal-length pivot arms and the second die fixed, allowing for continuous closure of the shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional crimping tools use multiple positions or multiple dies for different sizes, then they can accommodate different connector sizes, but the device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to crimp different connector sizesVSAvoidnumber of positions or dies required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The die is made dynamically adjustable through a spherical segment surface that allows continuous adaptation to different connector sizes. The spherical geometry enables the die to conform to various diameters without requiring multiple fixed positions, transforming a static multi-position system into a dynamic single-position system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameter of the die surface from flat or polygonal to spherical segment. This parameter change allows the die to accommodate different connector diameters by rotating to different angular positions on the spherical surface, effectively adjusting the crimping parameter continuously rather than in discrete steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional crimping tools are designed for specific shapes, then they achieve precise crimping for that shape, but they cannot handle other shapes without multiple positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecrimping precision for specific shapeVSAvoidability to handle different shapes
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The spherical segment surface of the die provides universal functionality for crimping connectors of different shapes and sizes. The same die can be rotated to different positions on the spherical surface to accommodate various connector diameters and shapes, making a single die multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated dies for each connector type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies spherical curvature to the die surface, which naturally accommodates cylindrical and circular connector shapes. The spherical geometry provides continuous variation in contact point and pressure distribution, enabling precise crimping for different connector diameters while maintaining consistent crimping quality across various shapes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dies with multiple crimping positions are used, then different connector sizes can be accommodated, but the crimping operation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different connector sizesVSAvoidtime required for size adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The die is made dynamically adjustable through a spherical segment surface that allows continuous adaptation to different connector sizes. The spherical geometry enables the die to conform to various diameters without requiring multiple fixed positions, transforming a static multi-position system into a dynamic single-position system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spherical segment surface is pre-configured with multiple angular positions that correspond to different connector sizes. The operator can directly rotate the die to the appropriate pre-determined position without performing complex adjustments, eliminating the need for multiple physical dies while maintaining quick size change capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3469665B1Self-adjusting crimping tool
Publication Date: 2020.12.16 PRESSMASTER
  • EP3469665B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3469665B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

A crimping tool (10) is disclosed for crimping items to a substantially ellipsoidal shape. The crimping tool comprises a first and a second die (11,21) arranged to interact with each other, each comprising a circular segment surface (12,22), wherein the dies are arranged such that the circular segments (12,22) are opposed each other forming a substantially ellipsoidal shape (E1-E3) between them. The first die (11) is pivotally arranged to move in a part circular movement with respect to the second die (12), substantially without rotating around its own centre, wherein the circular segment (12) of the first die (11) at a trailing end thereof comprises an edge (13) arranged to follow the circular segment surface (22) of the second die (21), thereby continuously closing a first end (31) of the substantially ellipsoidal shape (E1-E3) between the circular segments (12,22).