SE546262C2

SE546262C2 - Tool arranged to release pre-opened pre-positioned (popp) clamps

Info

Publication number: SE546262C2
Application number: SE2230440A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Nico Nikolov
Original assignee: Atlas Copco Ind Technique Ab
Priority date: 2022-12-21
Filing date: 2022-12-21
Publication date: 2024-09-17
Also published as: SE2230440A1; WO2024132305A1

Abstract

ABSTRACT A tool (3) is provided that is arranged to release Pre-Opened Pre-Positioned, POPP, clamps (6). The tool comprises a handle (16); a shaft (4) attached to the handle and having a distal end portion (4a) adapted to engage a POPP clamp for release thereof; and a sensor device (17) arranged to detect a relative rotation between the shaft and the handle. Detecting that relative rotation enables estimating when a user twists the tool in order to release a POPP clamp. This detection may in turn serve as a basis for a control device connected to the tool to determine that a POPP clamp has released, which will enable traceability in a manufacturing processes involving mounting of POPP clamps.

Description

TOOL ARRANGED TO RELEASE PRE-OPENED PRE-POSITIONED fPOPPl CLAMPS Field of the invention The present invention generally relates to the field oftools arranged to release Pre-Opened Pre-Positioned (POPP) clamps.

Background of the invention ln many products, hoses (ﬂexible pipes) are used to convey various types of ﬂuids. The hoses may be applied to their fittings by means of so called pre- opened pre-positioned clamps (in the following referred to as POPP clamps). Prior to mounting, POPP clamps are pre-tensioned in an open position, in which the diameter ofthe clamp is slightly wider than in the clamp's closed position. A protrusion in one end of the clamp band abuts a portion ofthe other end of the clamp band so as to hold the clamp under tension in the open position. When the protrusion is forced out of abutment with the other end, the clamp is released and snaps to its closed position with a narrower diameter, whereby the clamp will secure the hose to its fitting.

POPP clamps are advantageous to use in industrial manufacturing, as their installation during the assembly process is fast. A POPP clamp tool is used to force the protrusion out of abutment with the other end of the clamp band and it will only take a single twist movement of the tool to release the clamp. ln industrial manufacturing, traceability of the manufacturing process steps is important to keep track ofthat all the process steps has been performed correctly. Therefore, POPP clamp tools have been provided that are able to detect and record the releasing (closing) of POPP clamps. An example of such a tool is disclosed in GB2581406B. A vibration propagates to the tool from the 2 clamp when it snaps into its closed position. This vibration is detected by means of accelerometers and a gyroscope in the tool.

There is a risk that a false detection ofa clamp release is made e.g. if an operator drops the tool on the ﬂoor or hits the tool against a hard surface. A production management system may then erroneously detect that a clamp has been released even if it has not, whereby the accuracy of the traceability of the manufacturing is reduced.

Summary of the invention lt would be advantageous to achieve a POPP clamp tool overcoming, or at least alleviating, the above mentioned drawbacks. ln particular, it would be desirable to enable a POPP clamp tool that allows traceability in manufacturing processes involving mounting of POPP clamps.

To better address one or more of these concerns, a POPP clamp tool having the features defined in the independent claim is provided. Preferable embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

Hence, according to an aspect, a POPP clamp tool is provided. The POPP clamp tool comprises a handle; a shaft attached to the handle and having a distal end portion adapted to engage a POPP clamp for release thereof; and a sensor device arranged to detect a relative rotation between the shaft and the handle.

When the distal end portion of the shaft is engaged with the POPP clamp (and thereby forced to be still) and the user twists the handle to accomplish the release of the clamp, a relative rotational movement between (at least) the distal end portion of the shaft and the handle around a longitudinal direction ofthe handle and shaft will occur. Detecting that relative rotation thus enables estimating when a user twists the tool in order to release a POPP clamp. This detection may in turn serve as a basis for a control device connected to the tool to determine that a POPP clamp has released, which will enable traceability in a manufacturing processes involving mounting of POPP clamps. As the handle actually needs to be twisted relative to (at least) the distal end portion of the shaft for triggering a detection by the sensor, a user dropping the tool on the 3 ﬂoor or hitting the tool against a hard surface will not trigger a detection by the sensor, thereby reducing the risk of false detection ofa POPP clamp release.

The shaft, handle and sensor device may be embodied in several different ways to accomplish this detection of the relative rotation between the shaft and the handle as will be described in more detail in the following.

For example, a proximal end portion of the shaft may be attached (directly or indirectly) to the handle in a way that allows a limited relative rotation (around a longitudinal direction of the shaft) there between. Hence, the shaft may be rotatively connected to the handle. Thereby, the complete shaft may be allowed to slightly rotate relative to the handle.

According to an embodiment, the relative rotation may be limited to be less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 7 degrees, such as less than 5 degrees. Thus, the relative rotation between the handle and the shaft will not add much range to the twisting movement performed by the user when releasing a POPP clamp, which may be beneficial from an ergonomic point of view.

According to an embodiment, the tool may further comprise a bearing, wherein the proximal end portion ofthe shaft may be connected to the handle via the bearing, thereby allowing the limited relative rotation. The bearing may be of any suitable type, e.g. a roller bearing or simply just a plain bearing.

According to an embodiment, the tool may further comprise a pair of limitation structures (one may e.g. be arranged in the handle and the other one at the proximal end portion of the shaft) arranged to, in cooperation with each other, limit the relative rotation. This is an example of how the relative rotational movement between the shaft and the handle can be limited to a predetermined range.

According to an embodiment, the sensor device may be arranged to be operated by the relative rotation between the proximal end portion of the shaft and the handle. Thus, the sensor device may distinctively and effectively be triggered by the relative rotation between the handle and the shaft. This further improves the reliability of the detection of the twisting movement by the user for the purpose 4 of releasing a POPP clamp. For example, the sensor device may comprise a switch arranged to be operated by the relative rotation.

For example, the sensor device may comprises at least one of: an electromechanical switch, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a piezoelectric sensor Other types of sensor devices may also be envisaged. ln case a piezoelectric sensor is used, the relative rotation between the proximal end ofthe shaft and the handle may be limited to close to zero. The force caused by the twisting movement by the user may push/pull the piezoelectric element ofthe sensor device which may cause the sensor device to make a detection.

As an alternative to having the proximal end portion of the shaft rotatively connected to the hanlde in order to accomplish the relative rotation to be detected by the sensor device, the proximal end portion of the shaft may instead be rigidly attached to the handle. The relative rotation to be detected by the sensor device may then instead occur between the distal end portion of the shaft (which is engaged with the POPP clamp and thereby held, at least relatively, still) and the handle as a consequence of the shaft itself being slightly twisted and (temporary) torsionally deformed by the twisting motion of the handle of the LISGT.

The sensor device may then comprise a strain gauge arranged to sense a strain in the shaft caused by a relative rotation between the proximal and distal end portions of the shaft. Hence, the strain gauge may sense the strain caused by the torsion of the shaft. The strain gauge may e.g. be attached to the shaft.

According to an embodiment, the tool may further comprise an accelerometer arranged to sense a vibration movement of the tool indicative of a release of a POPP clamp. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the tool enables two separate ways of detecting an indication of a POPP clamp release, the sensing ofthe rotational (twisting) movement made by the user in order to release the clamp and the sensing of the vibration movement caused by the snap ofthe clamp release propagating to the tool. This detection redundancy reduces the risk of false detection of a POPP clamp release.

According to an embodiment, the tool may further comprise a microphone arranged to pick up a sound indicative ofa release ofa POPP clamp. The present embodiment is advantageous in that the tool enables two separate ways of detecting an indication of a POPP clamp release, the sensing of the rotational (twisting) movement made by the user in order to release the clamp and picking up the sound caused by the snap of the clamp release. This detection redundancy reduces the risk of false detection ofa POPP clamp release.

According to an embodiment, a system is provided. The system may comprise a tool as defined in accordance with the first apsect (or any of the above defined embosiments); and a control device. The control device may be configured to detect a movement ofthe tool indicative of a user moving the tool in order to release a POPP clamp with the tool by analyzing data from the sensor device, and determine that a POPP clamp has released based on the detected movement. The result of the determination may be saved in a production management system so as to provide traceability of the production process that the tool is involved in.

According to an embodiment, the control device may be further configured to detect a vibration movement ofthe tool and/or sound indicative of a release of a POPP clamp by analyzing data from the accelerometer and/or microphone. Determining that a POPP clamp has released may then be further based on said detected vibration movement and/or sound. By basing the determining of a POPP clamp release on the combination of a detection ofthe twist movement of the tool that the user does and detection ofthe snapping sound/vibration generated as a consequence of the POPP clamp snapping into its closed position greatly improves the reliability of the determination.

According to an embodiment, the control device may be further configured such that a monitoring in order to detect said vibration movement and/or sound is started in response to the detecting ofthe movement ofthe tool indicative of a user moving the tool in order to release a POPP clamp. As a rule, when a POPP clamp is correctly released, the user twisting movement ofthe tool precedes the 6 snapping/vibration resulting from the releasing ofthe POPP clamp. Therefore, detection of this twisting movement may be used as a trigger for starting to monitor the signal from the accelerometer and/or microphone. ln this way, computing power may be saved as compared to constantly monitoring the signal from the accelerometer and/or microphone. lt is noted that embodiments of the invention relates to all possible combinations of features recited in the claims.

Brief description of the drawings This and other aspects will now be described in more detail in the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of embodiments, with reference to the appended drawings.

Figure 1 shows a system comprising a tool and a control device according to an embodiment, and a POPP clamp. Figure 2 is a cross-section of the tool taken along line A-A in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a tool according to an embodiment.

All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary in order to elucidate the embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

Detailed description of embodiments A tool 3 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. The tool 3 may be comprised in a system 1. The tool 3 is adapted for releasing a pre-opened pre-positioned, POPP, clamp 6 on an object during an industrial assembly process. The POPP clamp 6 has a circular band that is pre-tensioned in an open position. The tool 3 can be operated to pull a loop 7 at the end of the band, whereby the POPP clamp 6 releases and snaps into its closed position. Typical objects to which POPP clamps can be applied are hoses to be secured to their fittings. 7 The system 1 may further comprise a control device 2 for the tool 3. The control device 2 may be arranged separately (and optionally remote) from the tool 3 or it may be comprised within the tool 3. The control device 2 may comprise a memory and processing means. The control device 2 may e.g. be a computer. The control device 2 may be comprised in a single unit or be distributed in several units (such as being cloud based).

The tool 3 may comprise a body 16 and a shaft 4. The shaft 4 may e.g. comprise a replaceable bit. The shaft 4 may have a distal end portion 4a adapted to engage the POPP clamp 6 for release thereof. For example, at the distal end portion 4a of the shaft 4, a hook 5 may be arranged. The hook 5 may be adapted to engage with the loop 7 ofthe POPP clamp such that the user can pull the loop 7 by means ofthe tool 3 in order to release the POPP clamp 6. The body 16 may be designed to be held by a user, thereby forming a handle Figure 2 is a cross-section of the tool 3, taken along line A-A in Figure 1. The tool 3 may comprise a battery 9 for powering the electronics of the tool The tool 3 may comprise a radio communication device 11. The radio communication device 11 may be arranged to communicate with remote devices, such as the control device The tool 3 may comprise a sensor device arranged do detect a relative rotation between the shaft 4 and the handle 16 (body). This may be embodied in several different ways.

For example, a proximal end portion 4b of the shaft 4 may be rotatively attached to the handle 16, as illustrated in Figure 2. For example, a bearing 12 may be arranged to support the proximal end portion 4b of the shaft 4 in the handle 16. Preferably, a limitation structure (not shown) may be built into the tool 3 so as to limit the rotational range of the shaft 4 relative to the handle 16. For example, the rotational range may be less than 10 degrees, such as less than 7 degrees, such as less than 5 degrees.

The sensor device may e.g. comprise at least one switch 17 arranged to be operated by the relative rotational movement between the shaft 4 and the 8 handle 16. The switch 17 may e.g. be an electromechanical, optical or magnetic switch. A feature (not shown) may e.g. be arranged on the proximal end portion 4b of the shaft 4, which feature is arranged to cooperate with another feature 17a arranged in the handle 16 in order to operate the switch 17. These features may be different in nature dependent on the type of switch. ln the example in Figure 2, the feature 17a in the handle 16 is a pin arranged to be forced in direction away from the shaft 4 when pushed by the feature on the shaft 4. The feature 17a then operates e.g. an electromechanical switch 17 to generate an activation signal.

Alternatively (or as a complement) a piezoelectric sensor may be used (not shown). ln that case, the rotational angle may be limited to close to zero.

Aletrnatively, the proximal end portion 204b may be rigidly attached to the handle 216 of the tool 203, as illustrated in Figure 3. The relative rotation between the shaft 204 and the handle 216 then takes place between the distal end portion 204a ofthe shaft 204 and the handle 216. As the proximal end portion 204b is rigidly attached to the handle, the shaft 204 itself will be slighty twisted upon the user twisting the handle 216 while the hook 205 ofthe distal end portion is engaged with the POPP clamp. ln other words, the shaft 204 will be slightly (temporary) torsionally deformed upon opreation ofthe tool ln this embodiment, the sensor device may comprise a strain gauge 217 arranged to sense the strain in the shaft 204 resulting from this twist ofthe shaft 204. The strain gauge 217 may be connected to the radio communication device 211 to communicate data to the control device.

The control device may be configured to monitor and analyze signals from the sensor device (e.g. the switch 17 or the strain gauge 217) in order to detect the user movement ofthe tool 3 indicating that a user operates the tool 3 in order to release a POPP clamp. Such a movement may be a twisting movement around a longitudinal axis 13 of the tool 3, as indicated by arrow 19 in Figure The tool 3 may further comprise an accelerometer 10 arranged to sense movements of the tool 3. For example, the accelerometer may comprise a three axis accelerometer. The accelerometer 10 may be able to register a vibration of 9 the tool 3 that has propagated from the POPP clamp 6 upon release thereof. The control device 2 may be configured to monitor and analyze a signal from the accelerometer 10 in order to detect such a vibration movement ofthe tool As an alternative, or as a complement, the tool 3 may comprise a microphone 20 arranged to pick up the sound being characteristic of a POPP clamp being released. This may be referred to as a snapping sound. The control device 2 may be configured to monitor and analyze a signal from the microphone 20 in order to detect such a snapping sound.

According to an embodiment, the control device 2 may be configured to estimate a size ofthe POPP clamp released by the tool 3 based on analysis of the signal from the sensor device 10 and/or the microphone 20. Different sizes of POPP clamps may generate slightly different vibration patterns and sounds when released. Further, the control device 2 may be configured to trigger operator feedback based on the determined POPP clamp size.

The control device 2 may be further configured to, based on the detected relative rotation between the handle 16 and the shaft 4, determine whether a POPP clamp has been released by the tool For example, the detected relative rotation may serve as a trigger for starting to monitor the signal from the accelerometer 10 and/or microphone 20. When the signal from the accelerometer 10 and/or microphone 20 subsequently indicates a vibration/ sound characteristic of a POPP clamp release, it is determined that a POPP clamp has released.

Optionally, the tool 3 may be provided with means to give the operator feedback (e.g. visual, audial or haptic) if it is determined that a POPP clamp has been released.

Optionally, the system 1 may comprise means for determining a position of the tool 3 in relation to the object being processed. The position may be used as a further basis for determining whether a POPP clamp 6 has released.

The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Additiona11y,variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

1. Tool (3, 203) arranged to release Pre-Opened Pre-Positioned, POPP, clamps (6), the tool comprising: a handle (16, 216); a shaft (4, 204) attached to the handle and having a distal end portion (4a, 204a) adapted to engage a POPP clamp for release thereof; and a sensor device (17, 217) arranged to detect a relative rotation between the shaft and the handle. .

2.The tool as defined in claim 1, wherein a proximal end portion (4b, 204b) of the shaft is attached to the handle in a way that allows a limited relative rotation there between. .

3.The tool as defined in claim 2, wherein said relative rotation is limited to be less than 10 degrees, preferably less than 7 degrees, such as less thandegrees. .

4.The tool as defined in claim 2 or 3, further comprising a bearing (12), wherein the proximal end portion (4b) of the shaft is connected to the handle (16) via the bearing, thereby allowing said limited relative rotation. .

5.The tool as defined in any one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising a pair of limitation structures arranged to, in cooperation with each other, limit said relative rotation..

6.The tool as defined in any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sensor device is arranged to be operated by said relative rotation between the proximal end oortiori ofthe shaft and the liandle. .

7.The tool as defined in claim 6, wherein the sensor device comprises at least one of: an electromechanical switch, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, and a piezoelectric sensor. .

8.The tool as defined in claim 1, wherein a proximal end portion (204b) of the shaft is rigidly attached to the handle (216). .

9.The tool as defined in claim 8, wherein the sensor device comprises a strain gauge (217) arranged to sense a strain in the shaft caused by a relative rotation between the proximal and distal end portions of the shaft.

10. The tool as defined in any one ofthe preceding claims, further comprising an accelerometer (10) arranged to sense a vibration movement of the tool indicative of a release of a POPP clamp.

11. The tool as defined in any one ofthe preceding claims, further comprising a microphone (20) arranged to pick up a sound indicative ofa release ofa POPP clamp.

12. System (1) comprising: a tool (3) as defined in any one of the preceding claims; and a control device (2) configured to: detect a movement of the tool indicative of a user moving the tool in order to release a POPP clamp (6) with the tool by analyzing data from the sensor device, and 3 determine that a POPP clamp has released based on the detected ITIOVGITIGIIt.

13. The system as defined in claim . '“ defined in claim 10 aﬁáyiorﬂåšè, 5 wherein the control device is further configured to detect a vibration movement ofthe tool and/or sound indicative of a release of a POPP clamp by analyzing data from the accelerometer and/ or microphone; and wherein determining that a POPP clamp has released is further 10 based on said detected vibration movement and/or sound.

14. The system as defined in claim 13, the control device being further configured such that a monitoring in order to detect said vibration movement and/or sound is started in response to the detecting ofthe movement of the tool indicative of a user moving the tool in order to 15 release a POPP clamp.