Torque Wrench Tool Coupling for Plastic Pipe Welding Saddle Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for clamping welding saddles on plastic pipes using tensioning straps face issues with unreliable force display due to pipe curvature, difficulty in achieving high clamping forces, and the limitations of existing Tension Force Indicators (TFIs) that cannot display forces above 10 kN, especially with manually operated ratchets.
Innovation Solution
A tool coupling system that allows for torque transmission using a torque wrench, enabling the application of a predetermined pressing force to the welding saddle piece, which simplifies the clamping process and reduces the need for separate TFIs, by interacting with conventional pull ratchets and torque wrenches, thereby covering a wide range of clamping forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If manually operated pull ratchets with factory-provided clamping levers are used, then the clamping process can be performed with simple equipment, but high clamping forces of 10 kN or more cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical clamping lever system with a torque wrench system that applies rotational force through a belt shaft to achieve high clamping forces. The torque wrench provides mechanical advantage through its ratchet mechanism, enabling forces of 10 kN or more to be applied without requiring excessive manual pulling force on traditional levers.
2Measurement precision
If Tension Force Indicators (TFIs) are used to display clamping force, then force measurement is provided, but TFIs cannot display forces above 10 kN and may slip or become difficult to read due to pipe curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the TFI measurement system with a torque-based measurement system. Instead of directly measuring linear tension force on a curved surface, the system measures the rotational torque applied to the belt shaft, which can be accurately displayed and is not affected by pipe curvature. The torque wrench provides a reliable reading mechanism that does not slip or become difficult to read.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple TFIs with different force ranges are used to cover various clamping forces, then all force ranges can be measured, but storage and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal torque wrench system that can handle multiple torque ranges through interchangeable adapters or adjustable settings. Instead of requiring multiple specialized TFIs for different force ranges, a single torque wrench design can accommodate various clamping force requirements by changing the belt configuration or using different torque settings, thereby reducing the number of tools needed and lowering storage and material costs.
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
This solution allows for precise and efficient clamping with reduced manual effort, eliminates the need for multiple TFIs, and minimizes storage and material costs by using existing ratchet components, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
A tool coupling system that allows for torque transmission using a torque wrench, enabling the application of a predetermined pressing force
Implementation Method 2
conventional pull ratchets that have a slotted belt shaft for winding up a tension belt
Implementation Method 3
The tensioning belts are usually arranged at an axial distance from one another, each adjacent to the pipe socket of the welding saddle piece, circumferentially around the plastic pipe
Implementation Method 4
The belts are then tensioned manually using the tensioning levers provided on the tensioning ratchets
Implementation Method 5
The corresponding tensile force acting on the belt is then displayed on a scale
Data Source
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AI summary
A tool coupling for a clamping system, in particular for clamping a welded saddle piece against a plastic pipe, comprises a body having a drive side and an opposite driven side, wherein first positive locking means are formed on the drive side and second positive locking means are formed on the driven side, wherein the first positive locking means are adapted to cooperate with a torque wrench for driving the body, and the second positive locking means are adapted to cooperate positively with a slotted belt shaft of a pull ratchet of a clamping system for transmitting moments.