Elastomer-Ring Guide Assembly for Precise Element Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing setting devices for attaching elements to workpieces are complex, expensive, and prone to malfunctions, leading to defective workpieces and production downtime.
Innovation Solution
A setting device with a preloading element made of elastomer that generates a preload force, using a circumferentially closed ring-shaped element to guide the element securely and reproducibly, and incorporates an insulating element to prevent electrical contact between guide elements, enhancing reliability and simplicity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional setting devices with multiple guide elements and prestressing mechanisms are used, then positioning precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an elastomeric preloading element that functions as a flexible component to provide radial prestressing force on the guide element. This flexible element replaces complex mechanical prestressing mechanisms while maintaining positioning precision through elastic deformation and continuous contact force.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and simplifies the prestressing function by using a dedicated elastomeric preloading element that can be independently designed and adjusted. This separates the prestressing function from the guide element structure, allowing simpler guide element design while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Reliability
If multiple guide elements with prestressing devices are used, then reliability of element feeding is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric preloading element provides reliable prestressing force through its elastic properties, ensuring consistent radial contact force on the guide element. This flexible component is easier and more cost-effective to manufacture than rigid mechanical prestressing devices while maintaining feeding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter by using elastomeric material for the preloading element, which provides the required prestressing force through material elasticity rather than complex mechanical structures. This material substitution reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guide elements are made movable relative to each other, then adaptability to element variations is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guide element movable relative to the base plate, allowing dynamic adjustment and adaptation to different element variations. This single movable component provides the necessary adaptability without requiring multiple complex movable parts or adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the guide system into a movable guide element and a stationary base plate, allowing independent movement of the guide element to adapt to different elements while keeping the overall structure simple through clear separation of functions.
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 device provides reliable, cost-effective, and reproducible attachment of elements to workpieces, minimizing tilting and jamming risks while detecting malfunctions, thus reducing production defects and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
the preloading device comprises at least one elastic preloading element generating the preload force, which is at least partially made of an elastomer
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a setting device for attaching an element to a workpiece, comprising a guide device with an axial cavity for guiding the element and an axially movable plunger for moving the element through the cavity. The guide device has at least a first and a second guide element that define the axial cavity and are pre-tensioned by a pre-tensioning device by a pre-tensioning force acting radially inward on at least one of the guide elements. The pre-tensioning device comprises at least one elastic pre-tensioning element, at least partially made of an elastomer, which generates the pre-tensioning force. Circumferentially adjacent guide elements are separated from each other by at least one interruption, wherein at least one insulating element is arranged in each interruption, and wherein the pre-tensioning element and the insulating element are formed integrally.The prestressing element is a circumferentially closed, ring-shaped element that surrounds the guide elements on their radial outer surface in the circumferential direction. The geometry of the prestressing element is essentially constant in the circumferential direction.