Clinching Fastener Press-Fitting Jig for Multi-Point NC Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for press-fitting clinching fasteners into metal plates are inefficient, requiring manual alignment and multiple machines, leading to high costs, space requirements, and increased time due to the inability to handle multiple fasteners simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A clinching fastener press-fitting method utilizing a turret punch press with NC control and a fastening jig that guides and mounts fasteners, allowing for automated insertion and press-fitting of multiple fasteners without manual alignment, reducing the need for multiple machines and minimizing space and labor costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple insertion machines are arranged to press-fit multiple clinching fasteners simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and installation space increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepress-fitting speedVSAvoidnumber of insertion machines

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple insertion machines into a single integrated press-fitting machine that can handle multiple clinching fasteners simultaneously. The machine includes a press-fitting unit with multiple punches arranged in a matrix pattern, allowing simultaneous press-fitting of multiple fasteners in one operation, thereby improving productivity while reducing device complexity and installation space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The press-fitting machine is designed with universal functionality to handle different types and sizes of clinching fasteners through programmable control. The NC control system can adjust pressing parameters, punch positions, and sequences to accommodate various fastener configurations, making the single machine capable of performing multiple insertion tasks that would otherwise require several dedicated machines

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual alignment is required for each press-fitting operation, then positioning precision can be achieved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidalignment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary positioning actions through fixed jigs and的定位 fixtures that pre-align the workpiece and clinching fasteners before press-fitting. The fasteners are pre-loaded into positioning holes in the correct orientations, and the workpiece is clamped in predetermined positions, eliminating the need for manual alignment during the press-fitting operation and significantly reducing time loss while maintaining positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment with an automated NC control system that uses programmed coordinates and automated positioning mechanisms. The system automatically moves punches and workpieces to precise positions based on pre-programmed data, substituting manual alignment operations with automated mechanical positioning that achieves high precision while eliminating time-consuming manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of clinching fasteners are press-fitted using multiple insertion machines, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefastener type handling capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic adaptability through programmable control that allows the machine to switch between different fastener types and pressing parameters on demand. The NC control system can load different program sets for different fastener configurations, enabling the machine to dynamically adapt its operation without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple dedicated machines, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11571732B2Clinching fastener press-fitting method and fastening jig for use in the press-fitting method

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 TSUDA IND CO LTD

AI summary

The press-fitting method for press-fitting a plurality of clinching fasteners into a workpiece. The method includes: a drilling step S1 of drilling press-fit holes at press-fitting positions of the workpiece to press-fit first clinching fasteners that are press-fitted from a punch side of a turret punch press by NC control using the turret punch press; a workpiece mounting step S2 of mounting the workpiece so that the workpiece is superposed on a fastening jig that guides the first clinching fasteners; a fastener insertion step S3 of inserting a predetermined number of the first clinching fasteners taken out from a screw feeder into the press-fit holes of the workpiece; a fastener press-fitting step S4 of press-fitting the first clinching fasteners into the press-fit holes of the workpiece by NC control using the turret punch press; and a workpiece removal step S5 of removing the workpiece from the fastening jig.