Tube Applicator With Segmented Jaws For Spigot Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatus for connecting flexible tubes to spigots face challenges with fluid-tight and stable connections, especially with stiffer or thicker tubes and exaggerated barb profiles, often requiring lubricants that can contaminate products and cause permanent deformation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a pair of jaws with moveable sections, one flared for spigot insertion and the other contoured to maintain grip, with fine grooves or roughening for enhanced friction, and a microprocessor-controlled mechanism for controlled insertion cycles to ensure secure and leak-proof connections without lubricants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tight connection with barb extending beyond tube diameter is used to prevent disconnection and leaks, then connection stability and fluid-tightness are improved, but connection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into two independently movable sections: a front section that flares to accommodate the barb and a back section that maintains grip on the tube. This segmentation allows differential movement where the front section releases to allow barb insertion while the back section maintains securing force, resolving the contradiction between connection stability and ease of operation
2Ease of operation
If lubricant is used to ease connection between tube and spigot, then connection ease is improved, but product contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus uses self-contained mechanical means (movable jaw sections with integrated flaring and gripping surfaces) to facilitate connection without requiring external lubricants. The flared front section and contoured back section work together to guide and secure the tube, eliminating the need for lubrication while maintaining ease of operation and preventing contamination
3Ease of operation
If fingers are used to pull tube open for spigot insertion, then insertion ease is improved, but contamination and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable jaw sections serve as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the tube. Instead of direct finger insertion into the tube, the jaw sections mechanically facilitate tube opening and spigot insertion through controlled movement and flaring, eliminating contamination risk while maintaining insertion ease
4Ease of operation
If excessive stretching is applied to accommodate fingers and spigot, then insertion is achieved, but permanent tube deformation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw sections are designed with dynamic, controlled movement rather than static excessive stretching. The front section flares progressively to guide the spigot, while the back section maintains appropriate gripping force, distributing the mechanical action evenly to achieve insertion without permanent deformation
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 enables reliable, fluid-tight connections across various tube and spigot combinations, including stiffer or thicker materials, without lubricant contamination and deformation, ensuring consistent performance and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
a front section, for holding the part of the tube into which the spigot is inserted, being flared towards its front end to allow for insertion of the spigot
Implementation Method 2
a back section contoured in accordance with the dimensions of the tube only, to maintain a grip on the tube while the spigot is being inserted into the tube
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus to insert a spigot into a flexible tube comprises a support for holding and advancing a spigot, actuated by a motor, and a grip for holding a flexible tube, its opening and closing controlled by a motor. On operation of the apparatus, the support is advanced to urge the spigot into the flexible tube. To prevent catching or snagging of the tube on the spigot preventing insertion, after forward motion of the spigot, the jaws are opened, and the spigot is retreated a short distance, the jaws are closed and the spigot is advanced again. This cycle is then repeated until the spigot is fully within the tube. The jaws comprise a front section and a separate back section, mounted against a resistance, to hold the tube. The front section will be urged back against the resistance on insertion of the spigot, which will not reach the back section.