Blind Rivet Setter Clutch for Rivets and Rivet Nuts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blind rivet fastener setting devices face challenges in efficiently setting both blind rivets and blind rivet nuts due to the complexity of rotational movements required for spindling, and the difficulty in managing the rivet mandrel after setting, which complicates the design and operation.

Innovation Solution

A blind rivet fastener setting device with a clutch mechanism that connects the pull spindle to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner in one position and to the spindle nut in another, allowing for axial displacement and rotational movement as needed, along with a pull spindle channel for mandrel removal, enabling easy switching between setting blind rivets and nuts with reduced effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the pull spindle is connected to the housing in a rotationally fixed manner (first switching position), then blind rivets can be set efficiently, but blind rivet nuts cannot be spindled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetting speed of blind rivetsVSAvoidcapability to set blind rivet nuts
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pull spindle is designed with dynamic switching capability between two rotational states: locked to the housing for blind rivet setting, and unlocked for blind rivet nut spindling. The switching mechanism allows the pull spindle to transition between these states based on the fastener type being installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The setting device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated system. The pull spindle serves dual purposes: acting as a pulling mechanism for blind rivets and as a spindling mechanism for blind rivet nuts, eliminating the need for separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the pull spindle is connected to the spindle nut in a rotationally fixed manner (second switching position), then blind rivet nuts can be spindled, but blind rivets cannot be set

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to spindle blind rivet nutsVSAvoidsetting speed of blind rivets
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clutch mechanism enables dynamic reconfiguration of the pull spindle's rotational connection. When setting blind rivet nuts, the pull spindle connects rotationally to the spindle nut for spindling; when setting blind rivets, it disconnects from the spindle nut and connects to the housing for pulling action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a through-channel is provided in the pull spindle for mandrel removal, then blind rivet installation is simplified, but blind rivet nut spindling becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemandrel removal processVSAvoidstructural complexity of pull spindle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pull spindle incorporates a through-channel that serves dual functions: facilitating mandrel removal after blind rivet installation and allowing passage of the pull mandrel during blind rivet nut spindling operations. This single structural feature supports both fastener types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pull spindle is designed as a hollow structure with a through-channel, separating the internal passage function from the external pulling/spindling function. This segmentation allows the mandrel to be removed through the channel while the pull spindle maintains its structural integrity for mechanical operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If hand screwing of the mandrel into the blind rivet nut is used, then device complexity is reduced, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of setting deviceVSAvoidtime for mandrel installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses its own drive motor and spindle mechanism to perform the spindling operation automatically. The pull spindle, when connected to the spindle nut, rotates the mandrel into the blind rivet nut without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-sufficient for this operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical screwing action is replaced by an automated mechanical system using the drive motor and spindle mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for hand operation while maintaining the mechanical spindling function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 efficient and easy setting of both blind rivets and blind rivet nuts by simplifying the rotational movements and providing a channel for mandrel disposal, reducing operational complexity and time consumption.

Implementation Method 1

The pull spindle (4) has a ball screw mechanism with a spindle nut (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBall screw mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3957441B1Blind rivet fixer setting device
Publication Date: 2024.03.13 SFS GRP GERMANY GMBH
  • EP3957441B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3957441B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3957441B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A blind rivet setting device (1) is described, comprising a housing (2), a pull spindle (4), and a drive motor (3) connected to the pull spindle (4) via a gear unit (11-15). The gear unit (11-15) includes a driven spindle nut (11) that engages with a thread on the pull spindle (4). The device is designed to be easily used for both setting blind rivets and blind rivet nuts. To achieve this, the gear unit (11-15) includes a switching clutch (18) which, in a first switching position, connects the pull spindle (4) to the housing (2) in a rotationally fixed manner, and in a second switching position, connects the spindle nut (11) and the pull spindle (4) to each other in a rotationally fixed manner.