Blind Rivet Setting Tool with Axial Distance Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Incorrect setting of blind rivet elements due to improper attachment to the tool system, leading to incomplete formation of the rivet collar and potential damage to the internal thread, results in inadequate anchoring and requires complex removal or repair processes.
Innovation Solution
A setting tool with adjustable and programmable setting stroke, equipped with sensors and control systems to detect and correct the pre-stroke distance, ensuring proper attachment and preventing damage by stopping or correcting the setting process if the rivet element is not within the predetermined tolerance range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blind rivet nut is incompletely screwed onto the mandrel, then the mandrel engagement length is reduced, but this leads to thread tearing out or damage during the setting process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the axial distance between the rivet flange and tool system before the setting process begins. The control system monitors this distance and prevents the setting operation from proceeding if the distance exceeds the tolerance range, thereby avoiding incomplete thread engagement and subsequent thread damage during rivet collar formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor the axial distance between the rivet flange and tool system during the attachment process. The control system receives this feedback and automatically adjusts or aborts the setting operation to ensure proper thread engagement, preventing both over-engagement and under-engagement scenarios
2Ease of operation
If the rivet flange has an excessive axial distance from the tool system, then the pre-stroke increases, but this reduces the actual setting stroke available for proper rivet collar formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the axial distance between the rivet flange and tool system before initiating the setting stroke. If the distance exceeds the predetermined tolerance range, the control system corrects the pre-stroke by adjusting the mandrel positioning or aborting the operation, ensuring that the actual setting stroke remains sufficient for proper rivet collar formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the setting stroke adjustable and adaptive. The control system dynamically modifies the setting stroke parameters based on the detected axial distance, allowing the system to compensate for variations in attachment precision and maintain optimal rivet collar formation across different operating conditions
3Productivity
If the blind rivet element is not properly attached to the tool system, then attachment speed is maintained, but this requires complex removal or repair processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of attachment quality before completing the setting operation. By checking the axial distance and determining whether it falls within the tolerance range, the system prevents improper settings from occurring in the first place, thereby eliminating the need for subsequent removal and repair operations and maintaining high productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of attachment variations into a beneficial quality control mechanism. By detecting and correcting improper attachments in real-time, the system transforms what would be defective settings requiring repair into opportunities for automatic correction, thereby improving both quality and efficiency
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
Ensures proper formation of the rivet collar and prevents thread damage by adjusting the setting stroke and force dynamically, allowing for efficient and accurate setting of blind rivet elements across various workpiece thicknesses without the need for costly repairs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor which detects an axial distance between the rivet flange and the tool system and supplies a detection signal dependent on this axial distance to the processor
Implementation Method 2
the setting of the respective blind rivet introduced into a pre-drilled hole in the workpiece and the formation of a rivet collar in one setting stroke by permanent deformation of a section of the blind rivet by loading a blind rivet end with a tensile force
Implementation Method 3
loading a blind rivet end with a tensile force by a pulling element of a setting tool
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for setting blind rivet nuts or similar blind rivet elements in work pieces, in which the setting of the respective blind rivet element introduced into a pre-hole of a work piece and/or the formation of a rivet flange occurs in a setting hub by the permanent deformation of one section of the blind rivet element by subjecting one end of the blind rivet element to a traction force by means of a traction element of a setting tool whilst simultaneously supporting another end of a blind rivet element on a tool part of the setting tool counter to said traction force.