Swaging Tool Die Alignment via Modular Head Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swaging tools often suffer from die rotation or wobble during operations, leading to defective fittings and wear-related issues, making them unreliable for handling various swaging operations, especially in hard-to-reach locations.
Innovation Solution
A compact swaging device with a head assembly and power unit assembly, featuring a moveable piston that engages the die block to securely align and move the dies, preventing improper alignment and rotation through a one-way engagement mechanism and spring clips for secure die retention, ensuring proper swaging operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional swaging tools are used with separable yoke and die holder, then the tool can access hard-to-reach fittings, but the dies tend to rotate or wobble during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The swaging tool is divided into modular components: a head assembly with first die, a die block with second die, and a power unit assembly. These segments can be separated to access hard-to-reach fittings, yet when assembled, they form a stable integrated structure that prevents die rotation or wobble during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The head assembly acts as an intermediary component that connects the power unit assembly to the fitting. It provides a stable mounting structure for the first die while allowing the tool to access confined spaces, thereby maintaining die stability without compromising accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional swaging tools allow die movement freedom, then the tool is versatile for different operations, but repeated improper use causes wear-related swaging problems
Solution Approach 1:
The tool incorporates controlled movement mechanisms where the head assembly can be detached and reattached for different operations, but once assembled, the dies are constrained to precise positions. This dynamic design allows versatility during setup while ensuring consistent, wear-free operation during actual swaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool allows change in operational parameters by detaching and reattaching the head assembly for different fitting types, but maintains fixed geometric parameters of die positioning during operation. This separation of configurability from operational stability prevents wear-related problems while preserving versatility.
3Volume of moving object
If the swaging tool is made compact for hard-to-reach locations, then accessibility improves, but the structure may compromise die alignment stability
Solution Approach 1:
The compact swaging tool employs a nested structure where the head assembly with first die fits within or alongside the power unit assembly containing the second die. This nested arrangement minimizes the overall tool volume for accessing confined spaces while maintaining precise die alignment through the integrated design of the mounting portions and engagement features.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A swaging tool (100) for swaging fittings and joining separate tubes together. The swaging tool (100) includes a removable head assembly (101) having a head member (102) and a first spring clip (112) adapted to retain a first die (110) to a p rtion of the head member (112) . The head assembly includes a die block (106) and a second spring clip (116) adapted to retain a second die (114) to a portion of the die block (106) . The swaging tool (100) includes a power unit assembly (103) having a base member (104) adapted to receive the die block (106) and head member (102) of the head assembly (101) . The power unit assembly (103) includes a moveable piston (350) adapted to engage the die block (106) so as to move the second die (114) towards the first die (112) during a swaging operation.