Tube Applicator With Movable Jaws For Spigot Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting flexible tubes to spigots are either difficult to assemble due to excessive tightness, leading to potential leaks, or require lubricants that can contaminate products and cause permanent deformation of the tube.
Innovation Solution
A device with moveable jaws that grip and release the tube to accommodate the spigot, allowing for secure insertion without crushing the tube, and can be adjusted for different spigot shapes and sizes, with mechanisms for manual, mechanical, or pneumatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the connection is made very tight with the barb extending beyond the normal diameter of the tube, then the connection stability and leak prevention are improved, but the difficulty of connecting the tube to the spigot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position and opening width. The jaw can be moved between a closed position for gripping the tube securely and an open position to allow the spigot to pass through, resolving the contradiction between maintaining tight connection and enabling easy assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is positioned and adjusted before the spigot insertion process begins. The tube is pre-gripped by the jaw in the correct position, and the jaw is pre-configured to move away upon spigot approach, facilitating smooth assembly without forcing or difficulty
2Ease of operation
If a lubricant is used to ease the connection between the tube and spigot, then the ease of connection is improved, but the risk of contamination to the apparatus and products increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly provides the necessary assistance for tube-spigot connection through its mechanical movement and positioning capabilities, eliminating the need for external lubricants. The system serves itself by using the movable jaw mechanism to facilitate insertion without introducing contaminants
Solution Approach 2:
The movable jaw assembly acts as an intermediary device between the tube and spigot, providing the mechanical assistance needed for connection without introducing harmful substances. It mediates the connection process through controlled movement rather than chemical lubrication
3Ease of operation
If fingers are used inside the flexible tube to pull the tube open for spigot insertion, then the ease of spigot insertion is improved, but the risk of contamination and damage to the tube and spigot increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly is a disposable or single-use component that is discarded after one use, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination between batches. It performs the necessary function of holding and releasing the tube during insertion, then is disposed of rather than reused, ensuring no contamination carryover
Solution Approach 2:
The function previously performed by human fingers (pulling the tube open) is extracted and transferred to a dedicated jaw assembly device. This extraction eliminates the contamination risk associated with manual insertion while maintaining the necessary tube deformation function
4Reliability
If the tube is stretched to accommodate the barb, then the connection stability is improved, but the tube may not return fully to shape leading to permanent enlargement and poor connection
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw assembly provides dynamic, controlled deformation of the tube during the connection process. Rather than permanent stretching, the jaw temporarily deforms the tube to accommodate the barb, then releases to allow the tube to return to its original shape, maintaining both connection stability and tube integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw assembly is designed to control and limit the deformation of the tube beforehand, preventing excessive stretching that would cause permanent damage. It cushions the tube during the insertion process, ensuring the deformation remains within elastic limits and the tube can recover its shape
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 reliable, leak-proof connections without the need for lubricants, maintaining tube integrity and facilitating easy assembly and disassembly, while being sterilizable and adaptable to various spigot types.
Implementation Method 1
In addition, in the absence of cam movement at least part of the jaws are mounted again spring force, enabling them to be moved against the spring to open and close under the force of the advancing spigot.
Implementation Method 2
the jaws are tapered at their front edges to ease insertion of the spigot
Implementation Method 3
the jaws are provided with fine grooves or ridges to aid grip on the flexible tube
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus to connect a flexible tube to a spigot on bio-disposable systems. The apparatus comprises a support for a spigot and jaws for gripping and holding a flexible tube. The jaws open and close for insertion of the flexible tube either under manual or pneumatic force. The jaws also include a front section that is openable against a resistance. In use, the end of the spigot is place inside the end of the flexible tube, the spigot is then positioned on the support, and the tube clamped into the jaws. Either on manual or pneumatic action, the spigot is advanced into the flexible tube within the jaws. The front section of the jaw opening slightly to accommodate the spigot, while the back section of the jaw holds the tube firmly in position.