Blind Rivet Mouthpiece With Pre-Installation Seal Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting blind rivet elements do not effectively check the sealing function before or after installation, leading to time-consuming and costly processes, including component rejection and potential installation of defective parts.
Innovation Solution
A mouthpiece for a setting device that includes a hollow body with sealing components and a fluid channel for testing the sealing function of blind rivet elements before installation, allowing pressurized air to be supplied to evaluate the relative pressure and ensure a proper seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blind rivet elements are set into component openings without pre-testing, then the setting process is faster and simpler, but defective elements may be installed leading to sealing failures and rework
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece enables preliminary testing of the sealing function of blind rivet elements before they are set into the component opening. The testing device integrates sealing elements and a fluid channel system that allows pressurized fluid to be introduced through the blind rivet element's sealing surface, detecting defects before final installation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece serves multiple functions: it acts as both a setting device component and a testing device. The same mouthpiece structure that would normally only install blind rivet elements now also performs sealing function verification, eliminating the need for separate testing equipment and reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If blind rivet elements are tested after installation in the component, then the sealing function can be verified, but the process becomes time-consuming and may require component rejection
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is performed before the blind rivet element is set into the component opening. By introducing the fluid channel system that accesses the sealing surface at the mouthpiece level, the sealing test occurs during the setup phase rather than after installation, saving time and avoiding component rejection.
3Reliability
If a fluid channel system is integrated into the mouthpiece for sealing testing, then pre-installation testing is enabled, but the mouthpiece structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is designed to serve dual purposes: traditional setting function and sealing testing function. The fluid channel system is integrated into the existing mouthpiece structure, allowing the same component to perform both installation and quality verification without requiring entirely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing device components (fluid channel, sealing elements, pressure source) are merged with the mouthpiece structure. The fluid channel extends through the mouthpiece body and connects to the blind rivet element's sealing surface, combining what would traditionally be separate testing equipment with the installation tool.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables pre-installation testing of blind rivet elements, reducing defective parts and rework, improving efficiency by identifying and replacing defective elements before final assembly, and reducing the need for post-manufacturing component tightness testing.
Implementation Method 1
an entry opening (26) for supplying a testing fluid (32), in this case pressurized air, is provided, which may be remote, to the abutting end (14)
Data Source
AI summary
A mouthpiece for a setting device setting a blind rivet element is disclosed which comprises a hollow, which may be a hollow-cylindrical, body having an abutting end and a central through bore through which a pulling mandrel of the setting device is movable. Further, a first endless sealing is arranged adjacent to the central through bore at the abutting end for abutting at a head portion of the blind rivet element. Additionally, a second endless sealing is arranged radially outwardly of the first endless sealing at the abutting end for abutting at a component. Finally, a fluid channel extends at least partly through the hollow, which may be a hollow-cylindrical, body such that an exit opening is provided between the first and the second endless sealing and an entry opening for supplying a testing fluid is provided, which may be remote to the abutting end.