Tube Expansion Tool Return Control and Cap Attachment Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube expansion tools lack effective control over the return operation of the screw shaft, leading to inefficient expansion of fluid pipes, and there is a need for a mechanism to ensure the cap with jaws is properly attached to the main body housing to prevent improper function.
Innovation Solution
A tube expansion tool with a motor-driven screw shaft, a wedge, and jaws, where a detector signals the controller to perform braking and reverse operation of the motor to manage the screw shaft's movement, and a cam mechanism ensures proper attachment of the cap with jaws to the housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the screw shaft moves forward to expand the PEX tubing, then the expansion force is applied to the tubing, but the screw shaft cannot quickly return to the initial position for the next operation
Solution Approach 1:
The screw shaft is designed to move dynamically between forward and reverse directions. During expansion, the screw shaft moves forward to apply force to the PEX tubing through the wedge and jaws. After expansion, the screw shaft automatically reverses direction and quickly returns to its initial position, enabling continuous operation without manual intervention and significantly reducing cycle time.
Solution Approach 2:
The screw shaft performs periodic forward-and-reverse movements to enable continuous expansion operations. The forward stroke applies expansion force to the tubing, while the reverse stroke rapidly returns the screw shaft to its starting position. This periodic cyclic action allows multiple expansion operations to be performed efficiently in sequence.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cap with jaws is detachably attached to the main body housing, then different caps can be selected for different PEX tubing sizes, but the cap may be attached at an incorrect position causing improper function
Solution Approach 1:
A detector is integrated into the main body housing to detect whether the cap is properly attached at the correct position. The detector provides feedback signals to indicate improper attachment, allowing the user to correct the attachment position. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable attachment while maintaining the versatility of using different caps for different PEX tubing sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector acts as an intermediary between the cap attachment and the expansion operation. It monitors the attachment status and provides information about whether the cap is correctly positioned before the expansion operation begins, preventing improper operation due to incorrect attachment.
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
The tool efficiently expands fluid pipes by controlled screw shaft movement and ensures proper cap attachment, reducing the number of expansion operations and preventing functional issues.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge inserted into the plurality of jaws; the wedge is configured to expand the end portion of the fluid pipe via the plurality of jaws
Implementation Method 2
a screw shaft extending in a front-rear direction; the screw shaft may engage a female screw member that is supported by the main body housing so as to be rotatable around the screw shaft
Implementation Method 3
The end portion of the PEX tubing may elastically and gradually recover around the fitting to form a tight connection
Data Source
AI summary
A tube expansion tool includes a female screw member that rotates by an electric motor. A screw shaft engages the female screw member to move in a front-rear direction. A front-end position sensor detects that the screw shaft has reached a front-end position. The screw shaft stops moving forward by a braking operation. A controller controls the braking operation of the electric motor. When the controller determines that the screw shaft has reached the front-end position based on a signal from the front-end sensor, the controller performs the braking operation. Also, when the controller detects that the screw shaft stops, the controller rotates the electric motor in a reverse direction to move the screw shaft rearward.