Fastener Reverser Mechanism for Compact Orientation Change
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastener supply systems face challenges in efficiently changing the orientation of fasteners from a downward to an upward position for accurate fastening, often requiring complex mechanisms that increase the system's size and installation space.
Innovation Solution
A fastener supply system with a first conveyance path for downward orientation and a reverser mechanism that uses holders to change the orientation of fasteners to an upward position using displacement within a horizontal plane, eliminating the need for complex tube bending and reducing installation space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex tube bending mechanisms are used to change fastener orientation, then the orientation changing capability is improved, but the device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener supply system is divided into separate conveyance paths (first conveyance path for downward orientation, second conveyance path for upward orientation) with a reverser mechanism positioned between them. This segmentation allows each path to handle specific orientation requirements independently, avoiding the need for complex tube bending while achieving orientation changing capability through modular path separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex tube bending mechanisms are used to change fastener orientation, then the orientation changing capability is improved, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reverser mechanism changes fastener orientation by moving holders in the vertical dimension (upward and downward movement) rather than using horizontal tube bending. The holders receive fasteners from the first conveyance path and transport them to the second conveyance path through vertical displacement, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to achieve orientation changing without expanding horizontal installation space.
3Productivity
If downward orientation conveyance is used in the first conveyance path, then the conveyance efficiency is improved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first conveyance path is designed to convey fasteners in a downward orientation, utilizing gravity as the driving force rather than requiring significant mechanical power. By aligning the conveyance direction with the gravitational field, the system achieves high conveyance efficiency while minimizing power consumption, as gravity naturally accelerates the fasteners downward without requiring additional energy input.
Data Source
AI summary
A fastener supplier includes: a first conveyance path that includes an outlet having a first opening axis and conveys a fastener; a second conveyance path that includes an inlet having a second opening axis different from the first opening axis and conveys the fastener from the inlet to a fastening position; and a reverser including a holder that receives the fastener ejected from the outlet from an ejection-side end of the fastener and holds the fastener, and the reverser supplies the fastener to the inlet with a supply-side end of the fastener directed toward the inlet along a second opening axis by displacing the holder.