Tube Fitting Grasping Frame for Narrow-Space Swaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing swaging-type tube fitting fastening tools face challenges in manipulating and securely fastening tube fittings in narrow spaces due to their design, with U-shaped tools being inconvenient in tight areas and O-shaped tools requiring more space for operation.
Innovation Solution
An object grasping device with a U-shaped frame and ┐ frames that rotate to form an O-shaped structure, allowing for easy manipulation and secure fastening without the need for separate opening, using a link mechanism and interlocking inserts to distribute force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a U-shaped tool with a single hydraulic cylinder is used, then the tool can be immediately inserted into the tube fitting without opening and closing operations, but the hydraulic cylinder must be positioned at a distance from the tube fitting, requiring a larger and heavier frame to ensure mechanical rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is divided into multiple frames (first frame, second frame, third frame) that can be selectively assembled. The first frame provides the U-shaped insertion structure, while the second and third frames add circumferential support only when needed, allowing the tool to be lightweight for insertion yet rigid for fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool configuration is made dynamic through selective assembly of frames. The operator can choose to use only the first frame for simple insertion tasks, or assemble additional frames (second and third) when circumferential support is required, adapting the tool's weight and structure to the specific task requirements.
2Device complexity
If a U-shaped tool with a single hydraulic cylinder is used, then the tool structure is simplified, but force is transmitted only to a partial region of the tube fitting, creating risk of incomplete fastening or tool damage
Solution Approach 1:
The force transmission system is segmented into multiple frames that can be selectively assembled. The first frame transmits force axially, while the second and third frames provide circumferential force distribution. This segmentation allows the tool to maintain simple structure for basic operations while providing comprehensive force distribution when reliability is critical.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool's structural configuration is dynamically adjustable through selective assembly. For critical fastening operations where complete force distribution is needed, the operator assembles all three frames to ensure force is transmitted to multiple regions of the tube fitting, preventing incomplete fastening and tool damage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If an O-shaped tool with multiple frames is used, then balanced force is transmitted along the circumference and structural stability is improved, but a wider space is required for opening the tool and placing the tube fitting, deteriorating usability in narrow workspaces
Solution Approach 1:
The O-shaped tool is segmented into separate frames (first, second, and third frames) that can be selectively assembled. This allows the user to employ only the first frame for narrow space operations, or assemble additional frames for stable fastening when space permits, providing flexibility across different workspace conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool configuration is made dynamic through selective assembly. In narrow workspaces, only the first frame is used to minimize space requirements. When workspace allows, the second and third frames are assembled to provide balanced circumferential force and enhanced structural stability during fastening operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If an O-shaped tool with multiple frames is used, then the tool provides structurally stable force distribution, but the tool size and weight increase due to multiple separate frames
Solution Approach 1:
The tool is segmented into multiple frames that can be selectively assembled based on task requirements. This segmentation allows the tool to provide balanced force distribution when all frames are assembled, while maintaining lower weight when fewer frames are used, giving users flexibility to balance stability needs against weight constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
An object grasping device includes: an upper frame having an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of an upper portion of an object to surround the outer peripheral surface; a left lower frame having an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of a left lower portion of the object to surround the outer peripheral surface of the left lower portion of the object; a right lower frame having an inner peripheral surface shape corresponding to an outer peripheral surface of a right lower portion of the object to surround the outer peripheral surface of the right lower portion of the object; left and right link members linking a left portion and a right portion of the upper frame and a middle portion of the left lower frame by hinges and a middle portion of the right lower frame by hinges, respectively.