Sleeve Applicator Machine Mandrel and Die Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of tubular sleeve markers to wires is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, requiring dexterity and often resulting in repetitive motion injuries due to the small size of the sleeves.
Innovation Solution
A sleeve applicator machine that automates the process of removing and opening sleeves from a carrier, using a mandrel and separable sleeve-opening dies to efficiently apply sleeves to elongated objects by minimizing manual handling and pinching, and can accommodate various sleeve sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual handling and pinching of small sleeves is performed, then the sleeves can be applied to wires, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive requiring high dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system of pinching and threading small sleeves with an automated mechanical system. A mandrel automatically inserts into the sleeve opening, and compressed air is used to inflate the sleeve and expand it over the wire, eliminating the need for manual dexterity and significantly increasing application speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses compressed air (pneumatics) to inflate the collapsed sleeve and expand it over the wire. The compressed air is delivered through the mandrel or a separate nozzle, causing the sleeve to rapidly expand and secure itself over the wire, replacing the slow manual stretching process.
2Productivity
If repetitive manual pinching and handling of sleeves is performed, then sleeves can be attached to wires, but repetitive motion injuries result
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to perform the sleeve attachment process automatically without requiring repetitive manual manipulation. The automated mandrel insertion and compressed air inflation create a self-service system that can attach numerous sleeves without causing operator fatigue or repetitive motion injuries.
3Volume of moving object
If sleeves are provided in flat configuration for shipping and storage, then they are more compact, but they require pinching to open the central opening for wire insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically inserting the mandrel into the collapsed sleeve opening and using compressed air to inflate and open the sleeve before wire insertion. This eliminates the difficulty of manually pinching and opening the small collapsed opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the sleeve from collapsed to inflated using compressed air. This parameter change (from deflated to inflated state) automatically opens the sleeve and expands it to a size that is easy to work with, eliminating the opening difficulty.
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 machine significantly reduces manual labor and associated injuries, improving efficiency and ease of application by automating the sleeve attachment process, allowing for quick and precise application of sleeves to wires.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator actuates, moves, or slides the leading tip of the mandrel into the central opening of one of the unopened sleeves of the carrier
Implementation Method 2
the separable pair of sleeve-opening dies is initially in an opened position such that the unopened sleeve is positioned between the separable pair of sleeve-opening dies. With the unopened sleeve in place between the opened dies, the dies are then moved from the opened position into a closed position, thereby bringing the separable pair of sleeve-opening dies together to compress and open the unopened sleeve therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A sleeve applicator machine is used to remove and open a sleeve from a carrier for application of the sleeve around an elongated object such as a wire. A mandrel is inserted into an opening of an unopened sleeve while the sleeve is still supported by the carrier. Once the mandrel is inserted into the sleeve, the mandrel is lifted to separate the unopened sleeve from the carrier. While still on the mandrel, the sleeve (which is now in a semi-opened state) is positioned between a separable pair of sleeve-opening dies in which the dies are in an opened position. The dies are closed or brought together around the sleeve and mandrel to compress the sleeve to a fully open state. At this point and with the dies holding the sleeve open, the mandrel may be withdrawn from the sleeve and a wire or other elongated object inserted into the opening of the sleeve.