Tangless helical coil insert mounting system

Abstract

An automated installation system configured to install tangless helical coil inserts includes an installation tool, a track, and an insert separator device. The tool includes a nozzle body defining a through hole extending along an insertion axis and a mandrel adapted to rotate back and forth within the through hole. The track defines a channel extending along a first centerline for moving an insert disposed within the channel to the installation tool. The device includes a shuttle mounted to the track and adapted to move across within the channel. The shuttle defines a through hole having an axis aligned with the first centerline when in a first position for receipt of an insert from the channel and aligned with a second centerline for ejection of the insert from the track into the installation tool. The second centerline is offset from the first centerline and intersects the insertion axis.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to tools and, more particularly, to a mounting system for mounting a tangless helical coil insert. [Background technology]

[0002] Helical coil inserts are typically used in tapped holes of a parent material. Some known helical coil inserts have a tang that must be removed after insertion into the tapped hole. Tangless helical coil inserts are beneficial because there is no tang to remove. Unfortunately, known tools for installing tangless helical coil inserts require the insert to first be manually and individually loaded into the insertion tool before being driven through the tool into the tapped hole. Additionally, known tools are known to have pitch errors and cross-thread problems between the tapped hole and the insert. It would be desirable to develop an automated system where an insert is automatically fed into an insertion tool that automatically installs the insert upon receipt of the insert. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] An installation tool according to one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure is adapted to install a tangless helical coil insert into a tapped hole, the installation tool comprising: a hollow body extending along an insertion axis, the hollow body including a first end and an opposing second end, the hollow body including an interior surface defining a through hole centered on the insertion axis and communicating through the first and second ends, the direction of insertion movement being along the insertion axis from the first end portion through the second end portion, an insert exit port at the second end centered on the insertion axis and in communication with the through hole, the through hole including a hole diameter greater than a port diameter of the insert exit port, and a first end defining a hole diameter that is in communication with the through hole. the mandrel including an insert inlet port through which the tangless helical coil insert passes, a drive mounting end segment and an opposing threaded end segment, the mandrel including a staging position where the threaded end segment is axially displaced from the hollow body to permit receipt of the tangless helical coil insert through the insert inlet port and into the through hole, and a staged position where the tangless helical coil insert is threaded onto the threaded end segment and radially retracted via a biased contact at the insert exit port.

[0004] In addition to the previous embodiment, the interior surface converges radially inward from the hole diameter to the port diameter.

[0005] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the installation tool further includes a tubular structure extending axially outward from the first end portion and extending along the insertion axis to define a chamber in communication with the through hole, the threaded end segment being within the chamber when in the staging position.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the installation tool further comprises a supply tube extending along the centerline, in communication with the insert inlet port, and projecting upstream from the insert inlet port.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, an obtuse angle is measured between the insertion axis and the centerline of the hollow body.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the through hole in the first end portion is cylindrical and has a bore diameter.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the second end portion includes a reduced nozzle that partially defines a through hole and includes the insert exit port, and a portion of the through hole in the reduced nozzle is frustum-shaped.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the bore diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the tangless helical coil insert when in an unbiased state, and the port diameter is less than the outer diameter.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the installation tool further comprises an insert removal device engaging the first end portion and positioned axially proximate to the insert inlet port, the insert removal device comprising a block extending into and out of the through hole and configured to remove the slipped tangless helical coil insert from the threaded end segment when the threaded end segment is axially aligned with the block.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, rotation of the mandrel as the block is expanded causes contact between the end of the tangless helical coil insert and the block, thus unscrewing the tangless helical coil insert from the threaded end segment.

[0013] An automated installation system according to another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure installs a tangless helical coil insert, the installation system comprising: an installation tool including a nozzle body defining a through hole extending along an insertion axis; a mandrel adapted to reciprocate and rotate within the through hole; a track defining a channel extending along a first centerline for movement of a plurality of tangless helical coil inserts disposed within the channel to the installation tool; and an insert separator apparatus including a shuttle mounted on the track and adapted to cross-travel within the channel, the shuttle defining a through hole having an axis that is aligned with the first centerline when in a first position for receipt of the tangless helical coil insert from the channel and aligned with a second centerline for ejection of the tangless helical coil insert from the track into the installation tool, the first centerline being offset from the second centerline, the second centerline intersecting the insertion axis.

[0014] In addition to the previous embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a supply tube extending along the second centerline, the supply tube being disposed upstream of the mounting tool and downstream of the track and in communication with the through hole.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, in the aforementioned embodiments, the nozzle body defines an insert inlet port in communication with the through hole and centered about the second centerline, a supply tube engages the nozzle body and in communication with the insert inlet port, and the obtuse angle is measured between an insertion axis of the supply tube and the second centerline.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a vacuum delivery device including a conduit for transport of the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts from the track into the supply tube along the second centerline.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally, in any of the above described embodiments, the multiple tangless helical coil inserts are aligned end-to-end within the channel.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the mounting system further comprises an insert retaining device mounted to the track and spaced upstream from the insert separator device, the insert retaining device including a pin adapted to transversely reciprocate in and out of the channel to prevent movement of the multiple tangless helical coil inserts within the channel.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the mounting system further comprises an insert presence sensor mounted to the track and positioned between the insert separator device and the insert retaining device, the sensor configured to detect the presence of a tangless helical coil insert immediately upstream of the shuttle when the through hole in the shuttle is axially aligned with the second centerline.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiment, the mounting system further comprises a vibratory bowl assembly located upstream of the track and including a bowl and a helical coil shelf, the bowl including an interior surface defining a container for storage of the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts, the helical coil shelf projecting laterally inward from the interior surface for moving the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts into the channel in a single-wire formation.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the track defines a plurality of air holes in communication with and axially spaced along the track for propelling a plurality of tangless helical coil inserts.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, in the above-described embodiments, the plurality of air holes are each angled downstream towards the channel for air flow into the channel.

[0023] The aforementioned features and elements may be combined in various combinations without exclusivity unless expressly indicated otherwise. These features and elements and their operation will become more apparent in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description and drawings are intended to be illustrative and non-limiting in nature.

[0024] Various features will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings that accompany the detailed description can be briefly described as follows. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tangless helical coil insert mounting system according to one non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of a tangless helical coil insert machined by the system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an end view of the tangless helical coil insert. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the vibratory bowl assembly of the system. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the vibratory bowl assembly showing the shelf. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the track assembly of the system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of the shuttle of the insert separator device of the track assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view of the track assembly. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view of the track of the track assembly taken along line 9-9 of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the venturi configuration of the vacuum delivery device of the system. [Figure 11]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of an installation tool for the system. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a partial cross-sectional view of the tubular body of the installation tool taken from circle 12 of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the installation tool showing the mandrel in a staging position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an installation tool similar to FIG. 13, except with the mandrel in a staged position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a mounting system 20 adapted to mount a tangless helical coil insert is shown. The system 20 includes a bowl assembly 22 (i.e., hopper), a track assembly 24, a vacuum delivery device 26, and an installation tool 28. The mounting system 20 is constructed to move a tangless helical coil insert 34 (see FIGS. 2-3) in a downstream direction (see arrow 32) from the bowl assembly 22 to the track assembly 24, then to the vacuum delivery device 26, and into the installation tool 28. In one embodiment, the bowl assembly 22 is a vibrating bowl assembly. In a non-limiting example, the vacuum delivery device 26 includes a flexible conduit under vacuum via the Venturi effect to aid in the movement of the insert 34 in the downstream direction 32.

[0027] 2 and 3, the tangless helical coil insert 34 is generally a wire that spirals around a central axis 36. The insert 34 is generally cylindrical and adapted to radially shrink when placed into a threaded or taped hole in a parent material, or workpiece (not shown). The insert 34 includes an axial first end 38, an opposing axial second end 40, and a generally cylindrical outer surface 42 that extends axially between ends 38 and 40. The outer surface 42 has a diameter (see arrow 44) when in an unbiased (i.e., unretracted) state.

[0028] 1, 4, and 5, bowl assembly 22 includes bowl 46 having recessed interior surface 48 that defines a container 50 for bulk storage of tangless helical coil inserts 34. A helical coil shelf 52 of bowl assembly 22 projects laterally inwardly (i.e., into container 50) from interior surface 48. In operation, and as bowl 46 vibrates, inserts 34 spread out on shelf 52 and move spirally upwardly to an upstream end 54 of track assembly 24 aligned with shelf 52 to receive inserts 34 in a single row and in an orientation from end portion 38 to end 40 (see FIG. 2). That is, inserts 34 lie on insert side 42 in a single line formation. In one embodiment, shelf 52 may include an upwardly projecting lip 56 at a distal edge to assist in maintaining inserts 34 on shelf 52. As shown in FIG. 4, the track assembly 24 is aligned tangentially to the bowl 46 .

[0029] 1 and 6-9, the track assembly 24 includes a track 58, an insert retaining device 60, an insert separator device 62, and an insert present sensor 64. The track 58 includes an extended base 66 and opposing walls 68, 70 projecting upwardly from the base 66. The base 66 and the walls 68, 70 together define a channel 72 extending along a centerline 74. A plurality of tangless helical coil inserts 34 are received within the channel 72 from the bowl assembly 22 at an upstream end portion 54 of the track 58, and the inserts move single-line and end-to-end along the centerline 74 toward a downstream end portion 76 of the track 58. In one embodiment, the devices 60, 62 may be pneumatically actuated.

[0030] In one embodiment, the walls 68, 70 of the track 58 define a plurality of air holes 78 spaced axially along the track 58 to aid in the movement of the insert 34. Each air hole 78 is angled in the downstream direction 32 toward the channel 72. In one example, the angle (see arrows 80 in FIG. 6 ) is measured from an upstream perspective between each air hole 78 and the channel 72 at approximately 45 degrees. In operation, airflow is directed through the holes 78 and into the channel 72, pushing the insert 34 in the downstream direction 32 and toward the downstream end portion 76 of the track 58.

[0031] 6 and 7, the insert separator device 62 is mounted to the side wall 68 of the track 58 at a downstream end portion 76. The separator device 62 functions as a type of "gateway" and includes a shuttle 82. The shuttle 82 is adapted to move across the channel 72 for controlled capture of an insert 34 as required through use of the installation tool 28. The shuttle 82 defines a through hole 84 centered about an axis 86 and is sized to receive a leading insert 34 within the channel 72. In operation, and when the installation tool requires an insert 34, the insert separator device 62 traverses the channel 72 until the bore axis 86 is aligned with the channel axis 74. Once the leading insert 34 enters the bore 84, as indicated by a presence sensor 64 (located immediately upstream of the shuttle 82 within the channel 72), the insert separator device 62 actuates and moves the shuttle 82 until the bore axis 86 is aligned with a centerline 88 of the vacuum delivery device 26. It is noted that the centerline 74 of the track 58 is therefore offset from the centerline 88 of the vacuum delivery device 26 .

[0032] This offset is advantageous because it separates the track 58 from the vacuum delivery apparatus 26. That is, the vacuum delivery apparatus 26 is under vacuum to assist in the delivery of the insert 34. The track 58 itself is not under vacuum. Without the offset and associated shuttle 82, there is no controlled delivery of the insert 34 since there is no stopping of the insert's movement. In one embodiment, only one insert 34 is delivered through the vacuum delivery apparatus 26 at a time. The shuttle 82 further assists in positioning the next insert 34 to be delivered as the leading insert moves through the vacuum delivery apparatus 26.

[0033] 6, in one embodiment, the insert retention device 60 is mounted to a wall 70 of the track 58 and spaced upstream from the insert separator device 62 and the presence sensor 64. The insert retention device 60 includes a pin 89 adapted to move laterally in and out of the channel 72 to prevent movement of the insert 34 along the channel 72. In operation, and when the presence sensor 64 detects the presence of a leading insert 34 generally axially between the devices 60, 62, the insert retention device 60 is actuated to extend the pin 89 into the channel 72, thus contacting the side 42 of the insert 34 immediately upstream of the leading insert. This contact urges the insert 34 against the opposing wall 68 of the track 58, preventing further movement.

[0034] 1, 8, and 10, the vacuum delivery device 26 includes a venturi structure 90 and a conduit 92 centered about a centerline 88. The conduit extends along the centerline 88 between the mounting tool 28 and the track assembly 24. In one embodiment, the conduit 92 is flexible to allow movement of the mounting tool 28.

[0035] In operation, and as best shown in FIG. 10 , compressed air enters the venturi structure 90 through air supply port 91 and exits through a series of circumferentially spaced orifices 93 into the main channel 95. As the compressed air exits the orifices 93, the velocity of the air increases to ultrasonic velocities. The air forced through the center of the tube rotates. This cyclonic flow creates a vacuum at the upstream end portion 97 of the venturi structure 90. The vacuum created is strong enough to pull the insert 34 from the shuttle 82 through the venturi structure 90.

[0036] 1 and 11, the insert installation tool 28 includes a nozzle body 94, a mandrel 96, a feed tube 98, and an insert removal device 100. The nozzle body 94 includes a tubular body 102 (i.e., hollow) that defines a through hole 104, and a structure 106 that defines a chamber 108. The through hole 104 and the chamber 108 extend along a common insertion axis 110 and are in axial communication with one another. The mandrel 96 is adapted to rotate and axially reciprocate within the chamber 106 and the through hole 104. In one embodiment, the nozzle body 94, including the tubular body 102 and the tubular structure 104, is one single piece. In one embodiment, the structure 106 is tubular.

[0037] The tubular body 102 includes an interior surface 112 that defines a through hole 104 and extends axially between opposing end portions 114, 116 of the body. The inlet end portion 114 is attached to the structure 106 and the outlet end portion 116 is the distal end portion. In operation, the direction of movement of the insert 34 (i.e., the downstream direction 32) is away from the inlet end portion 114 and toward the outlet end portion 116.

[0038] 11 and 12, the interior surface 112 defines an insert inlet port 118 adjacent the inlet end portion 114 and an insert outlet port 120 at the outlet end portion 116. Both ports 118, 120 communicate with the through hole 104. The outlet port 120 is centered on the insertion axis 110 and the inlet port 118 is centered on the center line 88 such that the center line 88 intersects the insertion axis 110. In one embodiment, the inlet end portion 114 includes the through hole 104 having a bore diameter (see arrow 122) and the outlet end portion 116 includes the outlet port 120 having a diameter (see arrow 124) smaller than the bore diameter 122. The diameter 44 (see FIG. 2) of the insert 34 when in an unbiased state is smaller than the bore diameter 122 and larger than the outlet port diameter 124.

[0039] In one example, the outlet end portion 116 of the tubular body 102 includes or may be a reduced nozzle 126 that defines the outlet port 120. The reduced nozzle 126 may comprise a portion of the interior surface 112 that is cylindrical. Downstream from the portion of the interior surface 112 that is cylindrical, the through hole 104 may conform to a frustum shape (see hole portion 128) as it moves radially away in the downstream direction 32 from the diameter 122 to the port diameter 120. In one example, the reduced nozzle 126 is separately attached to the distal end of the tubular body 102, while in another embodiment, the nozzle 126 is a single, integral part of the tubular body 102.

[0040] The feed tube 98 communicates with the inlet port 118 and projects outwardly therefrom along the centerline 88. In one embodiment, the feed tube 98 is rigid and rigidly engages the nozzle body 96 and is adjacent the inlet end portion 114 of the tubular body 102. To aid in the movement of the insert 34 from the feed tube 98 into the through-hole 104, an obtuse angle (see arrow 130) exists between the insertion axis 110 of the tubular body 102 and the centerline 88 of the feed tube 98. In one embodiment, the obtuse angle may be approximately 150 degrees (150 degrees).

[0041] 11, 13, and 14, the mandrel 96 includes a drive-mounted end segment 132 and an opposing threaded end segment 134. The mandrel 96 is adapted to reciprocate within the nozzle body 94 and rotate about an insertion axis 110. In operation, and when in a staging position 136 (see FIG. 13), the threaded end segment 132 is displaced axially from the tubular body 102 to permit receipt of the insert 34 through the insert inlet port 118 and into the through hole 104. The insert 34 travels out of the feed tube 98 and is threaded into the through hole 104 of the tubular body 102. Once in the tubular body 102, the insert 34 travels (e.g., by gravity) downward along the insertion axis 110 until the insert 34 (in its unbiased state) rests on the outlet end portion 116 at the upstream end of the generally frustum-shaped bore portion 128.

[0042] As operation continues, the mandrel 96 is then inserted into the through hole 104. This axial insertion and rotation of the mandrel 96 causes the mandrel to enter a staging position 138 and the insert 34 is threaded onto the threaded end segment 134 as the insert 34 is urged against the interior surface 112 at the frustum-shaped bore portion 128 (see FIG. 12 ). As insertion continues and the insert 34 is urged through the exit port 120, it radially contracts to receive and thread into the tapped hole in the parent material or workpiece.

[0043] 11, an insert removal device 100 of the installation tool 28 engages the inlet end portion 114 of the tubular body 102 and is positioned axially adjacent to the insert inlet port 118. The insert removal device 100 includes a block 140 configured to extend into and out of the through hole 104 to remove the slipped tangless helical coil insert 34 from the threaded end segment 134 of the mandrel 96 when the threaded end segment 134 is axially aligned with the block 140. In one embodiment, the device 100 may be pneumatically actuated.

[0044] In operation, when the system 20 detects that the insert 34 has slipped, and thus has not unthreaded from the threaded end segment 134 (i.e., it is not retained within the parent material or tapped hole of the workpiece and is pulled back into the through-hole 104 as the mandrel 96 is retracted), the block 140 extends into the through-hole 104 and contacts the outer surface 42 of the insert 34, thereby pinning or resting the insert 34 against the inner surface 112 of the through-hole 104. The mandrel 96 then rotates in the opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise), thus unthreading the insert 34 from the threaded end segment 134. Once unthreaded, the insert 34 is free to fall out of the through-hole 104 toward the exit port 120. Once the insert 34 rests against the interior surface 112 , insertion of the insert 34 into the workpiece is again attempted by linear actuation of the mandrel 96 which pushes the insert 34 out of the reduced nozzle 126 .

[0045] Advantages and benefits associated with the installation system 20 include automatic and continuous installation of the tangless helical coil inserts 34 from a bulk feed mechanism. Other advantages include seamless installation by eliminating pitch errors and cross threads, and is much less likely to cause tool stalls when used in a continuous automated cycle.

[0046] Although the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, various modifications may be made to adapt the teachings of the present disclosure to a particular situation, application, and / or material without departing from the essential scope thereof. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific examples disclosed herein, but includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An installation tool adapted to insert a tangless helical coil insert into a tapped hole, the installation tool comprising: a hollow body extending along an insertion axis, the hollow body including a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, the hollow body including an interior surface defining a through hole centered about the insertion axis and communicating through the first end portion and the second end portion, the hollow body having a direction of insertion movement from the first end portion along the insertion axis through the second end portion; an insert exit port at the second end portion centered about the insertion axis and in communication with the through hole, the through hole including a bore diameter greater than a port diameter of the insert exit port; an insert inlet port defined by the first end portion and in communication with the through hole; 1. An installation tool comprising: a mandrel including a drive mounting end segment and an opposing threaded end segment, the mandrel including a staging position where the threaded end segment is axially displaced from the hollow body to permit reception of the tangless helical coil insert through the insert inlet port and into the through hole, and a staged position where the tangless helical coil insert is threaded onto the threaded end segment and radially contracted via biased contact at the insert exit port.

2. The installation tool of claim 1 , wherein the interior surface converges radially inward from the bore diameter to the port diameter.

3. 2. The installation tool of claim 1, further comprising a tubular structure extending axially outward from the first end portion and extending along the insertion axis to define a chamber in communication with the through hole, the threaded end segment being within the chamber when in the staging position.

4. The installation tool of claim 1 , further comprising a supply tube extending along a centerline, communicating with the insert inlet port and projecting upstream of the insert inlet port.

5. The installation tool of claim 4 , wherein an obtuse angle is measured between the insertion axis and the centerline of the hollow body.

6. The installation tool of claim 1 , wherein the through hole in the first end portion is cylindrical and has the bore diameter.

7. 7. The installation tool of claim 6, wherein the second end portion includes a reduced nozzle that partially defines the through hole and includes the insert exit port, the portion of the through hole at the reduced nozzle being frustum shaped.

8. The installation tool of claim 1 , wherein the bore diameter is greater than an outer diameter of the tangless helical coil insert when in an unbiased state, and the port diameter is less than the outer diameter.

9. 4. The installation tool of claim 3, further comprising an insert removal device engaging the first end portion and disposed axially proximate to the insert entry port, the insert removal device including a block extending in and out of the through hole and configured to remove a slipped tangless helical coil insert from the threaded end segment when the threaded end segment is axially aligned with the block.

10. 10. The installation tool of claim 9, wherein rotation of the mandrel as the block is expanded causes an end of the tangless helical coil insert to contact the block, thus unscrewing the tangless helical coil insert from the threaded end segment.

11. 1. An automated installation system for installing a tangless helical coil insert, the automated installation system comprising: an installation tool including a nozzle body defining a through hole extending along an insertion axis and a mandrel adapted to reciprocate and rotate within the through hole; a track defining a channel extending along a first centerline into the installation tool for the movement of a multiple tangless helical coil insert disposed within the channel; and an insert separator apparatus including a shuttle mounted to the track and adapted to move across the channel, the shuttle being aligned to the first centerline when in a first position for receipt of the tangless helical coil insert from the channel and aligned to a second centerline for ejection of the tangless helical coil insert from the track into the installation tool, the first centerline being offset from the second centerline, the second centerline defining a through hole having an axis that intersects the insertion axis.

12. 12. The automated installation system of claim 11, further comprising a supply tube extending along the second centerline, the supply tube being disposed upstream of the installation tool and downstream of the track and in communication with the through hole.

13. 13. The automated mounting system of claim 12, wherein the nozzle body defines an insert inlet port in communication with the through hole and centered about the second centerline, the supply tube engages the nozzle body and in communication with the insert inlet port, an obtuse angle being measured between the insertion axis and the second centerline of the supply tube.

14. 13. The automated installation system of claim 12, further comprising a vacuum delivery device including a conduit for the transport of the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts from the track into the supply tube along the second centerline.

15. The automated mounting system of claim 11 , wherein the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts are aligned end-to-end within the channel.

16. 12. The automated installation system of claim 11, further comprising an insert retention device mounted to the track and spaced upstream from the insert separator device, the insert retention device including a pin adapted to traversely reciprocate in and out of the channel to prevent movement of the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts within the channel.

17. 17. The automated installation system of claim 16, further comprising an insert presence sensor mounted to the track and positioned between the insert separator device and the insert retaining device, the sensor configured to detect the presence of a tangless helical coil insert immediately upstream of the shuttle when the through hole of the shuttle is axially aligned with the second centerline.

18. 12. The automated mounting system of claim 11, further comprising a vibratory bowl assembly located upstream of the track and including a bowl and a helical coil shelf, the bowl including an interior surface defining a receptacle for the storage of a plurality of tangless helical coil inserts, the helical coil shelf projecting laterally inwardly from the interior surface to move the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts into the channel in a single wire formation.

19. 12. The automated mounting system of claim 11, wherein the track defines a plurality of air holes in communication with and axially spaced along the track for propelling the plurality of tangless helical coil inserts.

20. 20. The automated mounting system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of air holes are each angled downstream toward the channel for air flow into the channel.

Images