Shearing Tool Piston Position Detection via Proximity Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shearing and gripping tools, such as cutting nippers and grippers, face challenges in detecting the completion of their actions due to obstructions from supporting brackets, which can lead to malfunction or faulty production, and existing detection methods often require increasing external dimensions or reducing piston chamber bore, limiting tool capacity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensitive elements at the proximal end of the tool body to detect the piston's position and the active state of shearing or gripping means, using a magnetic element and proximity sensors, without altering the tool's external dimensions or bore size, allowing for reliable completion detection without additional support devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detection means are applied directly to the body of the tool, then the position of the piston can be detected, but the body cannot receive support devices and external dimensions must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into two separate locations: the proximal end of the body for detecting piston position, and the distal end for detecting the active position of shearing or gripping means. This segmentation allows detection functionality to be distributed without increasing the overall body dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses intermediaries (sensors and magnetic elements) positioned at the proximal and distal ends of the body to detect piston and tool positions indirectly, rather than requiring direct attachment of detection means to the body surface, thus avoiding dimensional increases.
2Measurement precision
If the bore of the piston chamber is reduced to accommodate detection means, then detection can be implemented, but the capacity of the tool is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection means are extracted from the piston chamber bore and relocated to the proximal end of the body, where they can detect piston position through magnetic coupling or other non-intrusive methods. This extraction preserves the full bore capacity of the piston chamber while enabling detection functionality.
3Reliability
If supporting brackets are added to the body, then the tool can be properly supported, but detection means cannot be applied to the body
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach (which would conflict with brackets) to a three-dimensional arrangement using the internal volume and end surfaces of the body. Sensors are positioned at the proximal end, detecting piston position through the body structure without interfering with bracket mounting at other locations.
4Measurement precision
If detection means are added to the tool, then action completion can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system at the proximal end serves multiple functions: detecting piston position, determining tool action completion, and providing feedback for process control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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
Enables reliable detection of action completion for shearing and gripping tools, preventing malfunctions and faulty production by signaling the active and passive positions of the piston and driven elements, ensuring accurate operation without increasing tool size or reducing piston chamber capacity.
Implementation Method 1
said rod (20) has a magnetic element (21) placed on board said rod (20) and said body (11) has a proximity sensor (22) which is placed in a position to be able to detect said magnetic element (21) when said piston (15) is in its forward position
Implementation Method 2
a second proximity sensor (23) which is placed in a position to be able to detect said magnetic element (21) when said shearing blades (16) are in their active position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a shearing or gripping tool which comprises a body with a proximal end and a distal end and defining an internal chamber for a drive piston for actuating the shearing or gripping tool which move between an idle and active position in answer to the movements of the piston between the retracted and forward positions. Sensitive elements to detect at least the forward position of the piston in its respective chamber and in the same way the active position of the shearing or gripping tools in order to signal the effective fulfilment of their action, are associated with the proximal part of the body.