Tube Holder Switching Mechanism for Accurate Tube Joining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube joining devices face challenges with manual handling of flexible tubes, leading to potential distortion or three-folded settings during the joining process, resulting in joining failures and requiring complex mechanisms for automatic tube holding and release.
Innovation Solution
A tube joining device with a plate-shaped cutting member for fusing and joining tube ends, featuring a first and second tube holding portion, a tube superimposing portion, and a switching mechanism that applies biasing forces to maintain or release tube holding, allowing for easy and accurate tube alignment without manual superimposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual superimposition of flexible tubes is performed, then the device configuration remains simple, but the tubes may be set in a distorted state or three-folded state leading to joining failures
Solution Approach 1:
The tube holding portions are designed to automatically grip and pre-align the tubes before the fusing process. The holding portions maintain the tubes in a properly aligned state during superimposition, preventing distortion or three-folded settings that would lead to joining failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube holding portions act as intermediaries between the operator and the tubes. These holding portions provide a mechanical interface that ensures proper tube alignment and positioning, eliminating the need for precise manual manipulation while maintaining simple device configuration.
2Extent of automation
If a mechanism for automatic tube holding and release is added, then tube holding and release are automated, but the device configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The tube holding portions are designed to automatically grip the tubes when the cover is closed and automatically release them when the cover is opened. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate automatic holding and release mechanisms, maintaining simple device configuration while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube holding and release functions are merged with the cover opening and closing actions. The holding portions are integrated into the cover structure, so that the same mechanical motion that closes the cover also grips the tubes, and the same motion that opens the cover also releases the tubes.
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 device prevents joining failures by ensuring proper tube alignment and simplifies the device configuration, enabling easy and accurate tube holding and release, thus improving the reliability of the joining process.
Implementation Method 1
fuses an end of a first tube and an end of a second tube by a plate-shaped cutting member that is heated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
[Object] Provided is a tube joining device which is capable of preventing occurrence of a joining failure caused by a setting error of tubes in advance, and in which tube holding and release of the holding are realized by a simple device configuration. [Solving Means] A tube joining device 1 includes: a first tube holding portion 160 that is capable of holding a first tube T1; a second tube holding portion 230 that is capable of holding a second tube T2; a tube superimposing portion 30 that disposes the first tube and the second tube in a superimposed manner; and a switching mechanism 24 0 that is capable of switching holding of the second tube by the second tube holding portion and release of the holding. The switching mechanism applies a biasing force for maintaining a state in which the second tube is held to the second tube holding portion, and applies a biasing force for maintaining a state in which the holding of the second tube is released to the second tube holding portion in accordance with relative approaching of the tube holding portions.