Tube Joining Device With Automatic Superimposition Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tube joining devices require manual alignment and superimposition of flexible tubes, leading to potential distortion and joining failures due to user error.
Innovation Solution
A tube joining device with a housing that includes a cover section, first and second tube holding portions, and a tube superimposing portion that automatically aligns and superimposes the tubes, using a heated plate-shaped cutting member to fuse and join the tubes in an aseptic condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual superimposition of flexible tubes is performed by the user, then the device structure can be simple, but the tubes may be set in a distorted state or three-folded state leading to joining failures
Solution Approach 1:
The tube superimposing portion automatically performs the superimposition action before the fusing process begins. The second tube is moved to the position where it is superimposed on the first tube in synchronization with the closing operation, ensuring proper alignment is established in advance before any joining occurs, preventing distorted or three-folded states
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-alignment through the tube superimposing portion that automatically moves the second tube into the correct position relative to the first tube. This eliminates the need for manual alignment by the user, and the system serves itself by automatically achieving precise tube superimposition through mechanical guidance structures
2Device complexity
If manual alignment and superimposition of tubes is required, then the device can be simpler, but user error leads to joining failures
Solution Approach 1:
The tube superimposing portion enables the device to automatically perform the alignment function without human intervention. The mechanical structure guides the second tube into precise superimposition with the first tube, making the system self-aligning and eliminating user error as a source of joining failures
Solution Approach 2:
The tube superimposing portion acts as an intermediary mechanical structure between the tube holding portions and the fusing mechanism. It provides guided movement and positional control, serving as a mediator that ensures accurate tube alignment before the actual joining process occurs
3Reliability
If automatic tube superimposition is implemented, then joining reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube superimposing portion is integrated with the cover section closing motion. The superimposition action is merged with the existing closing operation, so that closing the cover simultaneously triggers the superimposition mechanism. This combines multiple functions into a single coordinated action, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The tube superimposing portion serves multiple functions: it guides the second tube into position, maintains proper spacing between tubes, and coordinates with the closing mechanism. By designing this component to perform multiple roles, the patent achieves improved joining reliability while minimizing the addition of separate dedicated mechanisms
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 ensures accurate and reliable tube alignment, preventing joining failures and improving user convenience by eliminating manual superimposition errors, allowing for easy and appropriate setting of tubes and efficient fusing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a plate-shaped cutting member that is heated, and replaces the fused end of the first tube and the fused end of the second tube and joins the fused ends
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(A)~2(B)
Figure 3
AI summary
[Object] Provided is a tube joining device that allows a user to easily and appropriately perform setting of tubes which become a joining target, and is capable of preventing occurrence of a joining failure caused by a setting error of the tubes in advance . [Solving Means] A tube joining device 1 includes: a housing 2 that includes a cover section 3 that is provided in an openable and closable manner; a first tube holding portion 151 capable of holding a first tube T1; a second tube holding portion 152 capable of holding a second tube T2; and a tube superimposing portion 153 that moves the second tube to a position at which the second tube is superimposed on the first tube in synchronization with an operation of closing the cover section 3.