Fastener Feeding Coupling With Auto-Locking Ejection Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener feeding systems for machines like stud welding and riveting machines are complex, costly, and prone to safety issues due to the risk of fasteners flying out uncontrollably when feeding hoses are disconnected.
Innovation Solution
A feeding unit with a coupling body that includes a locking element movable between a locking and open position, preventing fasteners from exiting when the feeding hose is disconnected, and allowing easy implementation, modularity, and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a feeding hose is disconnected during operation, then maintenance or replacement can be performed, but fasteners may fly out uncontrollably causing safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically activate when the receiver is removed, preemptively preventing fastener ejection before it can occur. The spring-loaded locking element is held in a retracted position during operation but automatically protrudes into the coupling channel when the receiver disconnects, blocking the path of any fasteners that might otherwise fly out uncontrollably.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the coupling body and the external environment. It mediates the transition from a connected state (where fasteners are safely contained) to a disconnected state (where fasteners would otherwise be hazardous), by introducing a physical barrier that prevents harmful fastener ejection during the disconnection process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If existing safety devices are added to prevent fastener ejection, then safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is merged with the coupling body structure, forming an integrated safety mechanism rather than a separate additive device. The locking element is directly mounted on the coupling cover and utilizes the existing coupling channel geometry, eliminating the need for separate safety housings, additional actuators, or complex control systems that would increase overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed as a self-activating, passive safety mechanism that requires no external power source, control signals, or manual intervention. The spring-loaded locking element automatically responds to the mechanical state of connection/disconnection, making it foolproof and eliminating the need for additional sensors, motors, or control circuitry that would increase system complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to the coupling body, then fastener safety is improved, but the coupling body structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling body is segmented into functional zones: the coupling channel for fastener passage, the locking element for safety, and the receiver interface for connection. This segmentation allows the locking element to be positioned strategically within the existing coupling channel geometry, utilizing the natural structure of the coupling body rather than requiring additional structural elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is positioned locally at the critical point where fastener ejection would occur (the coupling channel opening), rather than requiring a comprehensive structural reinforcement of the entire coupling body. This localized approach provides maximum safety with minimum structural modification, maintaining the overall simplicity of the coupling body design.
Data Source
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Figure 5~6C
AI summary
Feeding unit (16) for feeding fasteners from a first element to a second element comprising a feeding hose (20) having an inlet and an outlet, and a coupling body (22) arranged at the outlet of the feeding hose. The coupling body comprises a locking element (48) movable between a locking position and an open position, wherein in the locking position the locking element protrudes into the coupling channel, and wherein in the open position the second end is freely accessible from the coupling channel (34).