Tool Nose Axial Slider for Bulging Head Traction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tools for motorized traction of bulging element heads in assembly accessories cannot release themselves without tearing off the head, limiting their operational effectiveness.

Innovation Solution

A tool nose with an axially movable slider, a coupling arrangement, and a drive actuator that transforms rotary movement into axial movement, allowing for controlled traction and retraction of the bulging head without damage, using a mechanism with a capture system biased forward and a counter-thrust anvil for precise deformation and release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a removable head is used to apply traction to the rod, then the tool can free itself by tearing off the head, but the head is damaged and the tool cannot be used on non-removable heads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool release mechanismVSAvoidhead damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is divided into distinct functional modules: a fixed carcass, a movable slider, a capture system, and a drive actuator. This segmentation allows the release mechanism to operate independently without damaging the head, as the slider retracts the capture system away from the head rather than tearing it off.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of releasing the tool by tearing off the head (destructive release), the invention inverts the approach by using a retractable capture system that releases the head intact. The slider moves backward to withdraw the capture system from the head, achieving release without damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Manufacturing precision

If motorized traction is applied to the bulging head, then precise control of deformation is achieved, but the tool complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeformation control precisionVSAvoidtool structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism that converts rotary motion into precise axial movement of the slider. This intermediary conversion mechanism enables controlled deformation of the head while maintaining manageable tool complexity through standardized actuator design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool employs dynamic elements including the axially movable slider that transitions between forward and backward positions, and the capture system that dynamically adjusts its grip on the head. These dynamic components enable precise deformation control while the modular design keeps overall complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If the capture system is biased forward, then engagement detection is simplified, but the axial space required in the tool nose increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement detection easeVSAvoidtool nose axial length

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The capture system is pre-biased in the forward direction toward the anvil, establishing a predetermined engagement position. This preliminary positioning simplifies engagement detection as the system naturally settles into the engaged state, while the biasing mechanism is designed to minimize the axial space required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 precise and efficient motorized traction of bulging element heads without tearing them off, ensuring high precision in movement and final positioning, with easy maintenance and no visible damage to the head, facilitating quick and effective assembly and disassembly.

Implementation Method 1

the drive actuator comprises an arrangement for transforming, by screwing, a driving rotary movement into a driven axial movement applied to an axially movable slide comprising the sheath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the capture system is biased forward relative to the sheath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

an arrangement at the level of a contact zone between the inner constriction and an outer surface of the capture system comprises at least one ramp for transforming the axial travel of the sheath backwards into a centripetal thrust for maneuvering the system of capture to its retracted configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRamp mechanism: Wedge

Data Source

PatentEP2626154B1Nose of a tool for motorised pulling of an expanded head of an element and such a tool

Publication Date: 2015.12.23 BOLLHOFF OTALU SA

Figure 1
Figure 2~4

AI summary

The nose has a sliding sleeve (26) including an interior tightener (44) for operating a capture system (31) toward its retracted configuration with help of an axial clearance of the sleeve in backward direction relative to the capture system. A coupling device of the sleeve is coupled to a drive actuator (7) according to an axial direction (X-X'). A detection device (9) detects insertion of an expanded head (2) of predetermined quantity inside the capture system, and controls a drive of the sleeve along its axial clearance in the event of detection of the insertion.