Electromagnetic Fastener Feed Tube for Quiet Precision Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available automated industrial fastening systems using compressed air for fastener delivery are noisy and costly, necessitating a more efficient method for delivering fasteners to fastener tools.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic fastener delivery system employing a coil wound around a coupler to generate a magnetic field, which propels fasteners through a feed tube to a desired location, utilizing a drive circuit and controller to manage current flow and ensure precise delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If compressed air is used to deliver fasteners, then fasteners can be delivered through tubes to fastener tools, but the delivery process becomes noisy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compressed air (pneumatic) system with an electromagnetic field-based system. A coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with the ferromagnetic fastener to propel it through the feed tube, eliminating the need for compressed air and thereby reducing noise and operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental delivery mechanism from pneumatic pressure to electromagnetic force. By applying current through the coil to generate a magnetic field, the system uses electromagnetic parameters instead of air pressure parameters to achieve fastener delivery
2Ease of operation
If compressed air is used to deliver fasteners, then fasteners can be delivered through tubes to fastener tools, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the compressed air (pneumatic) system with an electromagnetic field-based system. A coil generates a magnetic field that interacts with the ferromagnetic fastener to propel it through the feed tube, eliminating the need for compressed air and thereby reducing noise and operational costs
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic system uses the fastener's own ferromagnetic properties to generate the force needed for delivery. The magnetic field interacts directly with the fastener material, eliminating the need for external compressed air infrastructure and reducing operational costs
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 system provides a quiet, cost-effective, and precise method for delivering fasteners, reducing noise and operational costs while ensuring accurate placement at the desired location, such as a fastener tool or intermediate storage bin.
Implementation Method 1
A current is applied through the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the fastener and thereby projects the fastener through the feed tube towards the delivery location.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener delivery system including a feed tube coupled to a delivery location at a second end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener feed mechanism comprised of a coil wound around a coupler. The coupler is coupled to the feed tube at a first end of the feed tube. The fastener delivery system includes a fastener positioning device configured to receive a fastener. The fastener positioning device is connected to the coupler and operates to inject the fastener into the coupler. A current is applied through the coil to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field interacts with the fastener and thereby projects the fastener through the feed tube towards the delivery location.