Punch Press Fastener Feeder Using Cam-Driven Strip Advance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener feeding systems are time-consuming, costly, and require additional power sources or complex setups, especially for low-volume production, and often produce scrap waste.
Innovation Solution
A self-actuating fastener feeder that operates using the downward force of a punch press, utilizing a feed wheel and drive mechanism to deliver fasteners from a carrier strip to an installation site without additional energy sources, featuring a spring-biased catch and pawl system for intermittent rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated feeding systems are used to deliver fasteners to the installation tool, then feeding efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring separate power sources and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fastener feeding function with the punch press by integrating a feed wheel and drive mechanism directly into the press structure. The feed wheel is rotatably mounted to the press frame, and the drive mechanism utilizes the punch press's existing downward force through a camming surface on the drive block, eliminating the need for separate power sources and controllers while maintaining automated feeding efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The feed device is self-actuating, using the punch press's own downward force to drive the feed wheel through the spring-biased drive block and pawl mechanism. The system feeds fasteners automatically without requiring external energy sources, making the feeding process self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity
2Productivity
If carrier strips with adhesives are used to hold fasteners, then feeding process is enhanced, but scrap waste is produced that is difficult to handle and dispose
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adhesive from the fastening system by using a mechanical carrier strip that holds fasteners through physical engagement rather than chemical bonding. The carrier strip simply guides and positions fasteners on its surface, allowing them to be easily removed and fed individually by the feed wheel without leaving adhesive residues or creating difficult-to-handle scrap material
3Device complexity
If manual feeding is used to deliver fasteners to the installation tool, then device complexity is reduced, but feeding time increases making it time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fastener feeding function with the existing punch press cycle by integrating the feed wheel and drive mechanism into the press structure. The feed wheel rotates in coordination with the punch press's downward stroke, automatically delivering fasteners to the installation tool during each press cycle, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual feeding operations while maintaining system simplicity through integration rather than addition
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
Efficient, economical, and uncomplicated fastener feeding directly from a supply strip to a workpiece, eliminating the need for separate power sources and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
A spring-biased catch operates against the backside of the teeth to ensure that the feed wheel will not counter-rotate
Implementation Method 2
Acting together, these components form an escapement which drives the wheel intermittently in one direction only
Implementation Method 3
The drive block is moved by punch contact with a camming end surface of the drive block which is driven laterally by the end of the punch as it moves downward
Implementation Method 4
The feed wheel is rotatably mounted to a bottom member base of the feeder framework... The wheel has radially-extending teeth formed with containment pockets between each tooth which hold a fastener taken from the carrier strip
Data Source
AI summary
A feeder device for a punch press moves nuts on the carrier strip from a supply reel into the feeder which then presents them for delivery to the workpiece insertion site. The punch of the press picks each individual fastener from the feeder and delivers it to a workpiece below where the punch presses the nut into the workpiece. The feeder only requires a press with downwardly applied force and requires no additional energy source for its operation other than that transmitted by the downward force of the press. A drive mechanism of the feeder is powered by a camming action against the press punch which rotates a fastener-engaging feed wheel to advance the carrier strip into and through the feeder. A bifurcated feed track separates fasteners from the carrier strip and delivers the loose fasteners into the feed wheel which positions them at a pickoff site.