Buffer Magazine Fastener Feeding for Robotic Tool Mobility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener feed systems face challenges with limited robotic movement due to delicate delivery tubes prone to kinking and entrapment, inaccurate rivet inventory tracking, and potential overfilling or underfilling of buffer magazines, leading to mechanical issues and production interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatic fastener feeding that allows the fastener insertion tool to operate without relying on precise rivet counts, using a buffer system that can be refilled dynamically based on detected quantities, with a probe to ensure the correct number of fasteners and reduce the risk of overfilling or underfilling, and a mechanism to prevent rivets from falling back and getting caught at the docking interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If delivery tubes are used to transport fasteners from remote bulk sources to the setting tool, then fastener supply is enabled, but the tubes are delicate and susceptible to kinking and entrapment when the tool is manipulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the delivery tube from the system by implementing a buffer magazine on the setting tool that stores fasteners locally. This eliminates the need for continuous delivery tubes connecting the tool to remote bulk sources, allowing the tool to move freely without tube constraints while maintaining reliable fastener supply through the onboard buffer.
2Productivity
If the buffer magazine is permanently connected to the setting tool, then fastener supply is continuous, but the connection restricts tool access and creates a bulky arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer magazine is designed as a multi-functional component that serves both as fastener storage and as an integral part of the setting tool structure. By making the buffer a permanent, integrated feature of the tool rather than an external attachment, the design eliminates the need for separate delivery tubes while maintaining continuous fastener supply and improving tool access to workpieces.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are used to detect rivet levels in buffer magazines, then inventory tracking is enabled, but a large number of sensors are required and the system becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service inventory tracking by having the setting tool periodically dock with the bulk source to automatically refill the buffer magazine. This periodic refilling mechanism eliminates the need for continuous sensor monitoring of rivet levels, as the system naturally maintains adequate inventory through the dock-refill-operate cycle, significantly reducing sensor requirements and system complexity.
4Extent of automation
If the control system tracks rivet quantities through counting, then inventory management is achieved, but inaccuracies lead to overfilling or underfilling and production interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically refilling the buffer magazine at the bulk source before the tool needs fasteners. The periodic docking and refilling process ensures the buffer is replenished in advance, eliminating the need for accurate real-time counting and preventing both overfilling and underfilling conditions that would cause production interruptions.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and efficiency of fastener delivery by eliminating the need for precise rivet counting, reducing the risk of mechanical issues and production interruptions, and minimizing the occurrence of rivets getting caught at the docking interface, thus ensuring a steady supply of fasteners during the riveting process.
Implementation Method 1
rivets are propelled by, for example, blasts of compressed air
Implementation Method 2
a probe to ensure the correct number of fasteners and reduce the risk of overfilling or underfilling
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Fasteners, such as rivets, are fed to a fastener insertion tool (1) via a buffer magazine (5) adjacent to the tool. The buffer is movable with the tool and C-frame between an operative position where fasteners can be inserted int a workpiece and a re-filling position where it is docked at a docking station (13) to reload. Fasteners are delivered to the docking station from a source (14) and held there ready for when the tool docks. Once docked a transfer gat is opened at an interface between the buffer magazine (15) and the docking station (13) and fasteners from the docking station are transferred into the buffer magazine. A fastener insertion cycle is executed while the docking station is refilled with fasteners. A control cycle is used to control the quantity of fasteners loaded into a storage track at the docking station and operates to reduce overfilling of the buffer.