Chuck Actuation Element for Fixing Element Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for supplying and positioning fixing elements are not capable of precise alignment and pre-separation for high-accuracy processing, and are limited to processing only friction-welded parts of specific sizes.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates clamping jaws with an actuation element that can be axially moved to open and close, allowing for precise alignment and pre-separation of fixing elements of different sizes, with a translational drive enabling adaptation for various diameters and vertical movability to facilitate efficient processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If spring-loaded stopper parts are used to hold fixing elements, then the device can process friction-welded parts, but the fixing elements are only loosely held in an undefined position without precise alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The chuck structure is made dynamic through the actuation element that can move axially between two positions: a receiving position where the narrow section is between the clamping jaws (loose holding for receipt) and a processing position where the extensions are between the clamping jaws (precise clamping for processing). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same structure to serve multiple functions with different precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuation element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a narrow section for one purpose and two extensions for another. This segmentation allows different parts of the same component to interact with the clamping jaws in different ways, enabling the transition between loose holding and precise clamping states.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the chuck structure is simplified for friction-welded parts, then device complexity is reduced, but the device cannot process fixing elements of different sizes with high accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The axial movement of the actuation element dynamically adjusts the chuck's internal geometry. When moving between receiving and processing positions, the relative positions of the narrow section and extensions change, allowing the clamping jaws to adapt to different fixing element diameters while maintaining precise positioning accuracy through the leg springs mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective diameter of the chuck is adjusted by changing the axial position of the actuation element. This parameter change allows the same chuck structure to accommodate fixing elements of different sizes while maintaining precise positioning through the controlled interaction between the actuation element's geometric features and the clamping jaws.
3Productivity
If the entire drive unit is moved for friction welding, then processing can be performed, but processing efficiency is reduced due to the complexity and time required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the heavy drive unit to perform friction welding, the invention inverts the approach by moving the lighter actuation element axially to position the fixing element. The drive unit remains stationary, and only the necessary component (actuation element) is moved to enable processing, significantly improving productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement function is extracted from the drive unit and assigned to the actuation element. This separation allows the drive unit to remain stationary and focused on its primary function, while the actuation element handles the positioning and transfer operations, reducing the complexity and time of movement operations.
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
The solution enables precise alignment and pre-separation of fixing elements, allowing for accurate processing and adaptation to different sizes, improving throughput by enabling efficient transfer to a drive unit for friction welding without requiring movement of the entire drive unit.
Implementation Method 1
the clamping jaws will be pressed together by leg springs and thus hold a fixing element located between them
Implementation Method 2
a rotary motor which will effect an axial movement of the actuation element via a transmission element. The transmission element may be provided in the form of a female part in combination with a threaded shank
Data Source
AI summary
A method for supplying, positioning and processing fixing elements using a transport means which moves the fixing elements from a starting position to a processing position whereby the individual fixing elements are introduced into a chuck provided with two clamping jaws, are held by the clamping jaws in an engaging position and, once the chuck has been positioned, are taken up from this position by a driving element and the chuck presses them against a locating device and a connection is made to a component part by the driving element when the chuck is opened, wherein the upward motion of the chuck, while feeding the fixing element to the locating device, prevents the supply of further fixing elements to the chuck.