Blind Rivet Nut Mouthpiece Sensing to Prevent Finger Entrapment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind rivet nut setting devices pose health risks to workers due to finger entrapment during the pre-installation of the rivet nut on the pulling mandrel, leading to inefficiencies in the working process.
Innovation Solution
A setting device with a displaceable mouthpiece that detects contact with the rivet nut before initiating rotation, ensuring safe and controlled installation through a sensor-activated process, preventing finger entrapment and improving operational efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automatic screwing of the blind rivet nut on the pulling mandrel is implemented, then productivity is improved, but worker safety deteriorates due to finger entrapment risks
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the automatic screwing mechanism. The sensor detects the presence of fingers in the danger zone and sends a signal to prevent the pulling mandrel from rotating, thereby mediating between productivity requirements and safety concerns
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where a sensor continuously monitors the gap between the blind rivet nut and the mouthpiece during the setting process. When the gap closes (indicating potential finger entrapment), the sensor provides feedback to stop the rotation of the pulling mandrel, preventing injury while maintaining automatic operation
2Object-affected harmful factors
If manual screwing of the blind rivet nut on the pulling mandrel is used, then worker safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic screwing action as soon as the trigger is pressed, positioning the blind rivet nut on the pulling mandrel before the main setting operation. This preliminary action eliminates manual preparation time while the sensor-controlled feedback mechanism ensures safety during this automated phase
3Productivity
If the pulling mandrel rotates immediately upon trigger press, then productivity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to lack of detection of rivet nut installation state
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor-based feedback system is implemented that detects the installation state of the blind rivet nut by monitoring the gap between the rivet nut and the mouthpiece. The feedback signal controls the rotation of the pulling mandrel, ensuring that rotation only occurs when the rivet nut is properly positioned, thus maintaining both speed and reliability
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a setting device for a blind rivet element, comprising an axially displaceable pulling mandrel having a work end and a drive end, wherein the work end includes an outer thread to screw-on a blind rivet nut and the drive end has a coupling structure with which a releasable torque-proof connection with a mandrel drive can be established, comprising the mandrel drive with which the pulling mandrel is rotatable by means of the drive end, comprising a linear pulling drive in an operative connection with the pulling mandrel with which a linear deformation displacement of the pulling mandrel in the direction of the drive end is implementable deforming a blind rivet nut, and comprising a hollow-cylindrical mouthpiece, which passes the pulling mandrel and which is linearly displaceable parallel to and independent of the pulling mandrel, so that an installation state of a blind rivet nut on the work end of the pulling mandrel is detectable by means of a linear displacement of the mouthpiece.