Wedge Force Generator for High Compression in Short Stroke
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing force generators for plumbing and heating applications often fail to provide a high pressure force with a short stroke, and the direction of force application does not align with all application requirements, particularly in tasks like shortening pipe sections for water connections.
Innovation Solution
A force generator with a housing and an output wedge that uses a drive wedge to transmit an externally applied pressing force into a linear movement, where the output wedge is connected to a first pressure element and the housing is connected to a second pressure element, allowing for a high pressure force to be generated over a short stroke by adjusting the angle of the contact surfaces between the wedges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a conventional pressing machine with pressing jaws is used, then the direction of force application is fixed and the stroke is limited, but it cannot generate high compressive force over a short adjustment range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the linear pressing motion into a wedge-shaped force multiplication mechanism. By introducing inclined contact surfaces between the drive wedge and output wedge, the system converts a small linear displacement into a large compressive force through the wedge angle geometry, effectively operating in a different dimensional relationship between force and displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable wedge angles (α) to change the force multiplication ratio. By varying the contact surface angles of the wedges, the system can optimize the trade-off between output force and stroke length according to specific application requirements, enabling high compressive force generation over short adjustment ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pressing machine uses a cam drive to translate translational movement into pincer movement, then the pressing jaws can be driven, but the direction of force application does not meet all application requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The force generator with wedge mechanism serves multiple functions: it can generate high compressive force, maintain force over adjustable ranges, and adapt to different mounting configurations. The same basic wedge structure can be applied in various force transmission scenarios without requiring complex cam mechanisms for each application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the force generation function from the direction control function. The wedge mechanism purely generates compressive force, while the mounting configuration and connection to the pressing tool determine the direction of force application. This segmentation allows independent optimization of force magnitude and direction control.
3Ease of operation
If a press force transmitter is used to achieve force transmission without changing direction, then the linear drive can directly drive a mandrel, but it cannot provide high compressive force with short stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the linear drive and the mandrel. Instead of direct linear drive connection, the wedge converts the linear motion into amplified compressive force through its inclined surfaces, serving as a force-multiplying mediator that maintains simple operation while dramatically increasing output force.
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 the efficient generation of high pressure forces over short strokes, facilitating tasks such as shortening pipe sections and inserting press-in nozzles, with the ability to adjust force levels by varying the angles of the contact surfaces, and allowing for compact assembly and operation of the pressing tool from different angles.
Implementation Method 1
a drive wedge (108) for transmitting an externally exerted pressing force into a linear movement of the output wedge (106) relative to the housing (102)
Implementation Method 2
the output wedge (106) and the drive wedge (108) have contact surfaces (110, 112) that extend obliquely to the direction of movement of the drive wedge (108)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a force generator for generating a linear pressing force, comprising a housing (102), a driven wedge (106) slidably arranged in the housing (102), and a drive wedge (108) for transmitting an externally applied pressing force into a linear movement of the driven wedge (106). The driven wedge (106) is connected to a first pressure element (32), the housing (102) is connected to a second pressure element (36), and a force exerted on the drive wedge (108) causes the first pressure element (32) to move relative to the second pressure element (36). The force generator solves the technical problem of providing a high pressing force while utilizing known press jaws.