Handheld Tube Flaring Collet for One-Handed Depth Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flaring tools are cumbersome and require both hands to clamp and flare a tube, making it difficult to set the depth accurately without visual alignment.
Innovation Solution
A handheld flaring tool with a multi-piece collet and mandrel system that allows for one-handed operation, featuring a stop element for setting tube depth, a movable collet for secure clamping, and interchangeable mandrels for different flaring styles without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flaring tools are used, then the tube can be clamped and flared, but both hands are required to operate the tool and set the tube depth accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The flaring tool incorporates a stop element that automatically sets the tube insertion depth without requiring visual alignment or two-handed operation. The stop element provides a mechanical reference that self-regulates the tube position, eliminating the need for operator skill in depth setting while enabling one-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the tube. It provides a mechanical interface that automatically grips and positions the tube against the stop element, translating the operator's single hand action into precise tube clamping and depth setting without requiring direct two-handed manipulation.
2Ease of operation
If a single collet design is used, then the tool structure is simplified, but the collet cannot accommodate both tight clamping and easy tube removal
Solution Approach 1:
The collet is divided into multiple segments or pieces that can move independently relative to each other. During clamping, the segments converge to grip the tube tightly. During removal, the segments separate to create clearance, allowing the flared tube to be easily extracted without deforming it.
Solution Approach 2:
The collet transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one that changes its internal geometry based on operational phase. The collet pieces are designed to be movable, allowing the internal passage to dynamically adjust between a narrow clamping configuration and an expanded removal configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed mandrels are used in the flaring tool, then the tool structure is simplified, but different flaring styles require tool disassembly and mandrel replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mandrel holder is designed as a movable component that can be slid along the tool axis and locked into position. This dynamic feature allows quick replacement of mandrels without disassembling the entire tool, enabling switching between different flaring styles (bubble flare, conical flare) while maintaining a relatively simple overall tool structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The mandrel holder mechanism serves multiple functions: it holds different types of mandrels, allows quick interchange between them, and maintains proper positioning during operation. This multi-functional design provides versatility for different flaring styles without requiring separate tools or complex disassembly procedures.
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 precise and efficient flaring of tube ends with improved ease of use, allowing single-handed operation and easy removal of flared tubes, while accommodating various flaring styles without tool disassembly.
Implementation Method 1
the collet comprising an internal biasing element to urge the collet towards its expanded state when the collet is moved to and disposed at a larger diameter portion of the collar
Implementation Method 2
the collet that comprises a two-piece construction having opposite side or half portions that are configured to clamp tightly around the tube when the flaring tool is actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A flaring tool for flaring an end of a tube includes a locking mechanism having a collar and a collet with two or more collet pieces. As the collet is moved relative to the collar from a non-locking position toward a locking position, the collar engages outer surfaces of the collet pieces and causes the collet pieces to move from a non-clamping position toward a clamping position. As the collet pieces are urged radially inward, they each pivot about a respective pivot axis. As the collet moves further toward the locking position and the collet pieces move further toward the clamping position, the pivot axis of each of the collet pieces radially moves relative to the collet body and the collar. A flaring mechanism moves a flaring mandrel towards the end of the tube when the collet is clamped, whereby the mandrel engages and flares the end of the tube.