Search

Mechanical and Fluid Systems
Image of technology provided by NASA (inventor)
Handheld Metal Tube Straightener
NASA’s Handheld Metal Tube Straightener is designed with an embedded stationary anvil and a dynamic hammer attached to a knob/lead screw. The extension and retraction of the hammer is manually operated by the knob. The tube straightener contains an oval opening that serves as an insertion point for the to-be-straightened tube. Once the tube is inserted, the hammer can be repetitively clamped and unclamped while progressively inserting the tube until it passes through the tool’s built-in “GO” gauge, which is a tolerance inspection device. After the tube passes through the GO gauge it appears in a GO window indicating that the proper length of tube has been straightened. Leakproof connections are desirable for conduit tubes. A steadfast connection depends in part on fully inserting a straight and un-scratched end of the tube into a fitting for swaging. Avoiding linear scratches at the end of the tube is mandatory, as a scratch on the exterior of a tube that extends at least partially lengthwise past the fitting may create a leak path. Many available tube straighteners, such as those that require sliding the tube through the straightener under resistance, introduce linear scratches. NASA’s Handheld Metal Tube Straightener has a technology readiness level (TRL) 9 (actual system flight proven through successful mission operations) and the related patent is now available to license. Please note that NASA does not manufacture products itself for commercial sale.
Stay up to date, follow NASA's Technology Transfer Program on:
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
Facebook Logo X Logo Linkedin Logo Youtube Logo