Adjustable Fastener Dispenser with Staggered Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional fastener dispensing devices face limitations in adjustable needle spacing, excessive stress on fasteners during ejection, misalignment of fastener stock, and complex needle retention mechanisms, which restrict their use in larger applications and increase the risk of fastener breakage and user labor.
Innovation Solution
A fastener dispensing device with independently operating modules that allow for adjustable needle spacing, reduced stress through staggered ejection of cross-bars, accurate alignment using indexing notches, and a hand-operable needle lock for easy retention and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastener dispensing devices use fixed needle spacing, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different application sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs adjustable needle spacing that allows the needles to be repositioned along the ladder stock to accommodate different fastener sizes and application requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the same device to handle various applications from small to large scales without requiring multiple specialized devices.
2Reliability
If traditional devices eject both cross-bars simultaneously, then the ejection process is simple, but excessive stress is applied to the fastener causing breakage
Solution Approach 1:
The ejection mechanism operates in a periodic sequence where the first cross-bar is ejected, followed by the second cross-bar. This staged ejection approach reduces the peak stress applied to the fastener at any one time, preventing breakage while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical implementation through sequential actuation of ejection pins.
3Ease of operation
If traditional devices use complex needle retention mechanisms, then the needles are securely retained, but user labor and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The needle retention mechanism is designed to be operated directly by the user without requiring specialized tools. The simple retention structure allows users to easily insert, secure, and replace needles themselves, eliminating the need for complex tool-based retention systems and reducing maintenance burden.
4Productivity
If traditional devices lack accurate alignment mechanisms, then the device structure is simple, but misalignment of fastener stock occurs reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates indexing notches that work with the ladder stock structure to provide automatic positional alignment. This mechanical indexing system replaces the need for complex adjustable alignment mechanisms, ensuring accurate positioning of the fastener stock relative to the needles through a simple notched guide structure.
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
Fastener stock (111) and a device (211) for dispensing a plastic fastener (118) from a supply of ladder-type fastener stock (111) includes a pair of separate modules that are independently pneumatically powered by a common air source. Each module is adapted to receive and index a corresponding side rail (113, 115) of the fastener stock, separate a cross-bar (119, 121) therefrom and eject the separated crossbar out through a sharpened needle (243). As a feature of the invention, the pair of modules ejects the cross-bars of the dispensed fastener in an offset relationship to minimize fastener stress. As another feature of the invention, the pair of modules is independently slidably coupled to a common mounting plate (215). In this manner, the spacing and angular orientation between the modules are adjustable. As another feature of the invention, the feed mechanism (247) includes a feed pawl (331) that selectively engages outwardly facing notches (125) formed in the side rail (113, 115) to ensure accurate alignment prior to the severing process.