Fastener Insertion Device with Moveable Guard to Prevent Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for inserting fasteners into the ground for anchoring sheet-like materials are prone to jamming, especially when used by novice operators, leading to reduced productivity and fastener wastage due to the close tolerances and incorrect feeding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a moveable guard that blocks the entry of additional fasteners until the previous one is fully seated, combined with a magazine using glue, paper, and tape to securely hold fasteners, preventing jamming and damage to the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-loaded magazine is used to feed fasteners into the device, then fastener insertion is automated, but the device becomes prone to jamming when multiple fasteners are incorrectly fed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the guard moveable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position based on the fastener insertion cycle. The guard moves to a first position to block the guide during insertion and to a second position to allow fastener loading, resolving the contradiction between automation and jamming resistance by introducing dynamic control to the feeding mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the moveable guard that responds to the insertion cycle. The guard's position changes based on whether a fastener is being inserted or the magazine is being loaded, creating a feedback mechanism that prevents jamming by controlling fastener flow timing according to the operational state
2Manufacturing precision
If close tolerances are used in the device design, then fastener insertion precision is improved, but the device becomes more prone to jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable guard acts as an intermediary component between the magazine and the guide. It mediates the interaction by controlling fastener release timing, allowing the guide to maintain close tolerances for precise insertion while the guard prevents multiple fasteners from simultaneously entering the tight-tolerance zone, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and jamming resistance
3Productivity
If fasteners are fed continuously into the device, then insertion speed is improved, but multiple fasteners can co-occupy the guide space causing jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable guard implements periodic action by rhythmically switching between blocking and unblocking positions. It blocks the guide during the insertion phase and unblocks during the loading phase, creating a periodic cycle that maintains high productivity through continuous operation while preventing jamming by ensuring only one fastener is in the guide at any given time
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
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AI summary
The present invention provides a hand-held device for the insertion of fasteners into the ground for the purpose of anchoring sheet-like materials such as geotechnical mats for soil stabilization, and also for securing netting to prevent crop wastage. The device includes an anti-jamming mechanism that lessens the frequency of fastener jamming thereby increasing the work efficiency of an operator and saving wastage of fasteners.