Product design consultancy The Product Group create hand held compression tool.
Lynx - A new technology for joining fishing line without the weak-link of a knot.
A tied knot in most fishing lines significantly compromises line strength.
Joining a line with Lynx compression tubes keeps the join within 5% of the line capacity.
Lynx Compression tubes require massive compression delivered with precision.
A worktop press delivers the necessary force, but is not practicable on the river bank in a tackle box.
The Product Group were tasked with developing a hand tool capable of precisely delivering two tons of compression to stainless steel micro tubes.
The dream: To join a range of fishing filaments with a compression fitting and a tool driven only by the closing force of a hand grip.
Five different sizes of compression fitting would be required, each clearly colour coded to the line type and tool settings.
Working closely with the client the product design team identified the key objectives, opportunities and possible hurdles in developing this innovative new product.
How: Can a hand develop two tons of pressure without heavy engineering and a massive lever?
The product design team began with the micro-tubular stainless steel compression fittings and the exact nature of the compression required to grip the line without damaging it.
A hand tool that would fit easily in an anglers tackle box could not generate the necessary mechanical advantage in one action.
The answer would be to develop a way of progressively building up to the required pressure over a number of handle squeezing cycles.
While considering a linear ramp driving a wedge between two bearing races, the product design team developed the idea of a spiral ramp and bearing. This would provide a cycling ability, ramping up the compression over three or four squeezes before releasing the pressure for removal of the processed fitting. The tool would then be ready to cycle again.
Interchangeable compression jaws accommodate varying tube sizes ensuring that each hits the optimum compression for maximum line grip. Each gauge is colour coded to match the correct line and compression fittings.
The product design team then developed the mechanism to easily load and retain the gauge, compression fitting and line accurately for a reliable join every time. The processed joint had to eject from the tool with ease and the gauges simply clip in and out without the use of a tool.
The product design engineering team used FEA computer analysis and testing to guide the development of the mechanical components for maximum confidence going into prototyping.Laser cut hardened tool steel parts were tested in a fully working prototype, confirming function, strength and reliability, demonstrating every aspect of the new system.
By questioning everything, the product design team optimised every element; user requirements, ease of use and safety, reliable function, material choice (especially tool steel and hardening options), manufacture, assembly and cost.
Putting it all together: Innovative engineering thinking enabled the product design team to develop a mechanism delivering two tons of compressive force with four easy handle compressions.Inspired industrial design created an effective, comfortable, safe hand tool which exceeded all expectations.
Fitting all the elements into a compact unit required flexibility and ingenuity from the product engineering and design team, optimising function and dependencies between parts.
From the very first concepts of the new system, serious thought was given to methods of manufacture and assembly.
Product design and the environment: Creating a stronger joining method for fishing filaments and accessories means fewer lost lines, hooks and weights despoiling the environment and endangering wildlife.
Other aspects addressed by the product design team included working with manufacturers, researching steel hardening and testing, ergonomics, colour and branding.
Skills:
Market and user understanding
Product design concept generation
Computer modelling and visualisation
Material selection
CNC prototyping
Detailed component drawings
Functional testing
Detailing for manufacture
Specification for manufacture
ALL MEDICAL CONSUMER INDUSTRIAL SCIENTIFIC BABY POWER TOOL TRANSPORT