TUBE STRAIGHTENING FIXTURE
TUBE STRAIGHTENING FIXTURE SUMMARY
Develop and manufacture a method to straighten device shafts for reprocessing. Accommodate a range of shaft sizes for straightening multiple device types.
TEAM:
Mechanical Engineer
DESIGN TOOLS USED:
Solidworks
MARKET:
Medical Device Manufacturing and R&D
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
- Quick toolless method of separating wheels for device shaft insertion and removal
- Adjustable and repeatable compression of shaft tube during straightening procedure
- Can accommodate a range of shaft tube outside diameters
- Smooth, easy turning of wheels during manual straightening of shafts to minimize force required
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES
Our customer desired an improved method of straightening shafts of devices slated for reprocessing, since many were out of spec. There are existing methods of tube straightening but not as repeatable as desired.
Pipeline utilized master modeling to create a user-friendly fixture capable of manually straightening various shafts. The fixture is calibrated prior to delivery such that the setting markings are consistent between units. With a simple adjustment knob at the top and numbers that correlate to compression amount, the fixture can be adjusted on the fly.
Manufactured from machined aluminum and steel, 3D-printed chopped-carbon nylon, and off-the-shelf components, this fixture can assist the customer in preventing or improving reprocessing delays because of out-of-spec components.
