Develop a Pressurized Vibration Fixture for Testing Press-Connect Fittings
Problem statement
Our client, Milwaukee Tool, is an extremely large-scale provider and innovator in the electric tools industry, whose engineering directly and indirectly affects millions around the globe. In order to allow them to maintain their position as an industry leader, it is crucial they continue to supply their customers with the best quality tools via constant innovation. One way of doing this is by developing new and improving on existing products that are increasingly able to pass more industry standards of durability and reliability. In order for such technical innovations, an essential aspect of this goal is developing more rigorous and accurate methods of testing their products. This further aligns with one of Milwaukee’s long-term goals of achieving 100% in-house testing capabilities. The M12 and M18 press connect fitting tools are some of such tools they wish to increase their market dominance with. These being essential tools widely used in construction and maintenance for implementing durable press-connect pipe fittings. As is the nature of working around pipe geometry and other critical components, durability under a variety of loadings is essential. Hence extensive testing of the product’s outputs are extremely important on many levels going far beyond the company’s reputation. This is especially in regard to the safety of those in direct and indirect contact with the tool’s output such as technicians who depend on the product’s usability, safety and performance. Failures of pressurized components can pose serious threats to safety. Two loadings essential to press connect fittings usage are that of simultaneous internal pressurization and vibration exposure. Experiencing levels of vibration while pressurized is a part of everyday usage in the industry. One such solution to this problem is testing their work via the use of a specialized pressurized vibration fixture, an industry testing setup allowing for controlled exposure of both loadings. Such testing will measure deflections and deformation of press connect fittings under loading as seen in fixtures made by Baughn Engineering. Our design will be tailored to Milwaukee Tools specific needs, allowing our design to be the most efficient at testing the press-connect fittings. Therefore our goal is to research, design, and ultimately build a bespoke pressurized vibration fixture for Milwaukee Tool, for them to test and improve the performance of their tools, ensuring industry standards are met and enhancing their Automation Testing lab capabilities.
Team members
Flinn Conveney – facilitator
Kate Hughes – communicator
Carlos Nogues Armengol – accountant
Jonah Pavek – admin
Client
Jack Callen
Milwaukee Tool