Conical Centering Head for Coaxial Blind Rivet Nut Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind rivet nut setting tools face challenges in accurately aligning the blind fastener with the setting hole due to potential axis misalignment, especially in robot-controlled processes, leading to wear and unintended movements.
Innovation Solution
A centring device with a base element and a support element, featuring radially elastic centring means that form a conical head, allowing for adjustable alignment of the blind rivet nut with the setting hole by moving between first and second positions, facilitating coaxial alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If robot-controlled setting tools are used for automated blind rivet nut installation, then productivity is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to axis misalignment between the tool and setting hole
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centring device as an intermediary component between the robot-controlled setting tool and the workpiece. This device includes centring means with conical surfaces that engage the setting hole and force the tool axis into coaxial alignment with the hole axis, thereby mediating the misalignment problem while maintaining automated operation
Solution Approach 2:
The centring device performs preliminary alignment action before the actual setting operation. The conical centring surfaces engage the setting hole first, establishing correct axial alignment, and only then does the setting tool proceed with the blind rivet nut installation, preventing misalignment issues
2Ease of operation
If automatic reset mechanisms are used in setting tools, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintentional stresses causing wear and unintended movements
Solution Approach 1:
The centring device applies preliminary counteracting force through its conical surfaces that engage the setting hole. This pre-positioning action prevents unintended movements and stresses on the threaded rod during the setting operation, counteracting the reliability issues caused by automatic reset mechanisms
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 precise alignment of the blind rivet nut with the setting hole, reducing cycle time and preventing tool wear, while being adaptable to various setting tools and processes.
Implementation Method 1
centring means that are arranged around the opening, extending axially to the centre axis of the opening and of radially elastic design
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
In a centring device (1) for reversible fastening to a setting tool (3) for blind rivet nuts (17), a base element (2) is provided for connection to the setting tool (3), to which a support element (4) is arranged at a distance. An opening (9) is provided in the support element (4), which is designed for the passage of at least one region of a screwing tool (10) of the setting tool (3) and the centre axis of which can is alignable coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the screwing tool (10) that can be passed through. There are centring means (13) arranged around the opening (9), which extend axially to the centre axis of the opening (9) and are radially elastic. The centring means (13), which are fixed with their one end (14) to the support element (4) around the opening (9), extend symmetrically in a conical shape away from the support element (4) towards the centre axis and form an expandable conical head (16) with their second free end (15).